Soft skills, often overlooked but crucial, have derailed numerous projects. It’s time to stop calling interpersonal skills soft. They are hard. Business projects frequently demand teamwork, highlighting the equal value of interpersonal skills to technical expertise. Business leaders seek employees with strong teamwork, collaboration, communication, problem-solving, and other emotional and cognitive abilities, especially for today’s diverse and geographically dispersed teams.
What are soft skills?
Soft skills are personal attributes that support situational awareness and enhance an individual’s ability to get a job done. They are often synonymous with people skills or emotional intelligence. Unlike hard skills, which describe a person’s technical ability to perform a specific task, soft skills are universally applicable across job titles and industries. As the adage says, hard skills might get someone an interview; soft skills will help them get (and keep) the job.
These skills complement and enhance hard skills. For instance, a talented engineer who can effectively communicate their ideas will be more successful than one who cannot.
Soft skills that are in demand
Employees with high emotional intelligence, strong communication, and interpersonal skills are likelier to articulate goals clearly and lead teams effectively. These skills are essential for multi-member, multi-disciplinary, geographically and culturally dispersed teams.
What company leaders value
For businesses with a customer service or relations component, solid soft skills ensure positive relationships between customers and the company without extensive training. Here are some of the top soft skills that company leaders value:
Attention to detail.- Big picture thinking.
- Common sense.
- Communication.
- Conflict resolution.
- Decision making.
- Manage time effectively.
Other critical soft skills include:
- Adaptability.
- Confidence
- Creativity
- Enthusiasm
- Empathy
- Friendliness
- Good manners
- Listening skills
- Honesty and integrity
- Negotiation.
- Positive attitude
- Self-motivation
- The appropriate use of humor
- Perseverance.
Unlock your full potential in the workplace
Start investing in your soft skills today! Developing them is essential whether you’re looking to advance your career, improve your relationships with colleagues, or become a more effective communicator.
Take the first steps:
- Attend a workshop or training: Many organizations offer communication, teamwork, and leadership classes.
- Seek feedback: Ask your colleagues and supervisors for honest feedback on your performance.
- Practice self-awareness: Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses, and identify areas where you can improve.
Remember, Soft skills are not just a luxury; they’re necessary for success in today’s competitive job market. By prioritizing their development, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your career goals.
Related article
- The No. 1 soft skill you need to get hired right now, according to LinkedIn–and how to mention it in an interview (CNBC)
Ralph Bach has been in IT for a while and has blogged from the Bach Seat about IT, careers, and anything else that has caught my attention since 2005. You can follow me on Facebook or Mastodon. Email the Bach Seat here.