Key Skills for Professionals will help you understand and develop the skills you need to be truly professional in a fiercely competitive environment. The areas covered in this book are useful not only to those qualifying for a profession but also for those people who are already working in a professional services business. Practising and demonstrating these skills effectively will help you in your day-to-day work, and could enhance your career progression. Based on their knowledge, experience and expertise, the authors first explain the theory and applicability of each skill area and then provide practical and realistic advice as to how to apply those skills in the working environment on a daily basis. Each chapter explains appropriate management tools and theories in plain language using practical exercises, realistic and relevant case studies and tools for analysing self-awareness, communication styles, financial and commercial awareness and effective writing. The book also contains useful summaries and ideas for further reading.

[A] strong addition to business practices and skills collections, enthusiastically recommended. --Library Bookwatch Midwest Book Review

Alan Pannett is chief executive of fresh Professional Development, a multi-award winning provider of in-house learning and development. Alan has specialized in professional development for over 25 years, designing, delivering and managing learning and development services. His expertise is in the development of the skills needed to lead and manage successful professional services businesses. Shalini Sequeira studied History at Cambridge University prior to qualifying as a solicitor. She spent a number of years working as a finance lawyer in London and Asia, first at Norton Rose and then at Shearman & Sterling. She is a leading learning and development specialist, working with lawyers at all levels to improve their business and people skills. Andrew Dines studied Law at Bristol University and then served as an Army Officer before qualifying as a solicitor with Simmons & Simmons. Andrew later studied for an MBA, achieving a commendation level pass. He now works in consultancy and training roles with professional services businesses, focusing on the development of strategic governance, leadership and risk management. Andrew Day has written stage plays and screenplays for Working Title and Channel 4. He was Principal of a language school, where he also authored language-learning materials that are used by forty schools in seven countries. He has many years of experience in developing communication, presentation and training skills.