๐๐ฝ๐๐๐ง’๐ญ ๐๐๐๐ฉ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ญ๐ก hashtag๐๐? …
… ๐๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ง ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐จ๐๐ญ ๐๐ค๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฌโ
One of the three work trends highlighted by the World Economic Forum in a recent newsletter is the increasing importance of soft skills.
A discussion of soft skills cannot take place without understanding hard or technical skills.
Hard skills include the technical proficiencies necessary for job performance, typically acquired through formal education and training. These skills include computer literacy, machinery operation, data analysis, and are easily observable, measurable, and teachable.
However, there is a common misconception when individuals believe that mastering these technical skills by themselves will ensure success in leadership roles or fosters effective relationships. That’s not the case!
Soft skills, alternatively referred to as interpersonal or people skills, present a more nuanced challenge as they are less tangible and quantifiable. These skills complement technical skills and are essential for both professional and personal interactions.
Soft skills encompass various aspects of communication, active listening, constructive dialogue, feedback delivery, teamwork, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.
The World Economic Forum‘s 2023 Report highlights several critical soft skills that are necessary for success:
โ๏ธAdaptability
โ๏ธCommunication
โ๏ธConflict Resolution
โ๏ธCreativity
โ๏ธCritical Thinking
โ๏ธCultural Awareness
โ๏ธEmotional Intelligence
โ๏ธEmpathy
โ๏ธLeadership
โ๏ธPositivity
โ๏ธProblem Solving
โ๏ธTeamwork
While interviewers may not directly inquire about soft skills, they often pose questions that reveal how candidates have utilized these skills. Similarly, the notion of ‘culture fit’ is assessed indirectly through inquiries aimed at evaluating a candidate’s compatibility with team dynamics.
Assess yourself against the above skills. How would you fare? Which one(s) would you need to sharpen?
We might not be able to thwart the progress of artificial intelligence but there’s a lot we can do to strengthen our soft skills.
Ultimately, while technical skills facilitate entry into opportunities, it is the cultivation of soft skills that will open doors to further success.
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I am Daisy Wright (the one and only๐), and I collaborate with mid-career professionals and emerging leaders to accelerate their career growth! Ask me how I do that!
