Why improving soft skills is key to leadership success

Don’t let the name “soft skills” fool you – they’re anything but easy. Skills like communication, emotional intelligence, resilience, leadership, teamwork, adaptability and empathy are the backbone of success in today’s rapidly evolving work environment. Mastering these skills is often more difficult than acquiring “hard” job-specific technical skills that require years of formal study or work experience.

When we talk about soft skills, we’re referring to the transferrable interpersonal and self-management skills that make someone good to work with, not just good at what they do – regardless of industry, title or position. These are the skills that enable people to navigate workplace relationships effectively while also managing their own emotions and behaviours.

Yet, despite their critical importance, soft skills have frequently been undervalued and overlooked. For too long they were considered innate qualities – something you either possessed or didn’t. They were also often dismissed as “fluffy extras”, nice to have but not as important as the hard technical skills required for specific job roles.

As a result, workplaces historically prioritised technical skills, education, and experience over soft skills when hiring and promoting employees. New hires were often trained in organisational processes and procedures, rather than communication and interpersonal dynamics. The result? Staff and leaders who could execute their tasks proficiently but struggled when it came to collaborating, self-regulating under pressure, and leading effectively.

The term “soft” skills is a misnomer 

Part of the problem comes from the name itself: the term “soft” suggests these skills are less important than their “hard” counterparts. That’s why many advocate for a rebrand to reflect the true essence and significance of these abilities. Perhaps “essential human skills” is a better fit, or as the Project Management Institute (PMI) suggests, “power skills”.

Regardless of the semantics of terminology, the value of these skills is finally being recognised. Why? Because they underpin human connection and interpersonal relationships – the very essence of effective teamwork and leadership. These essential human skills are what set us apart from robots, making them hard to outsource and automate.

Research consistently supports the growing recognition of soft skills’ importance. From Google’s renowned Project Oxygen, to a report published by Deloitte Access Economics that predicts soft skill-intensive occupations will account for two-thirds of all jobs by 2030, these studies underscore the significance of human skills.

The skills we need for the future 

The relevance has only grown post-COVID. An analysis of 12 million online job ads by Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) found a surge in employers’ demand for interpersonal skills after the pandemic. The trend was particularly strong for remote roles, which were 1.2 times more likely to mention interpersonal skills than face-to-face roles.

This is perhaps the most compelling argument for embracing “soft” skills – their ability to future-proof careers and businesses alike. As automation and artificial intelligence continue to disrupt traditional job roles, the demand for human-centric skills is only expected to grow. Organisations that invest in developing their employees’ “power” skills – through training, coaching, mentoring, or facilitated self-reflection – will be better equipped to adapt to change, foster innovation, and thrive in an uncertain world.

Which skills should organisations invest in? While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, anything that improves how a person manages themselves, particularly under pressure, and helps them work more effectively with others – including those who are different from them – is a good place to start.

Humans need to hone their humanity 

In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, characterised by advancing technology and the normalisation of flexible and remote work, the ability to connect, empathise, and collaborate with others – often across virtual platforms – is more important than ever. While machines may excel at technical tasks, they lack the unique human qualities that define our interactions and relationships.

For individuals looking to future-proof their careers, investing in the development of these essential human skills is paramount. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, whether you’re in a people-focussed role or in a traditionally “hard” skill industry, honing your communication, collaboration and emotional intelligence abilities will not only enhance your value in the workplace but also position you for long-term success in an increasingly competitive job market.

Soft is the new hard 

Yes, soft skills are hard to develop but the good news is they can be taught, learned and developed: if you’re willing to learn and if you’re willing to do the work. Improving these skills takes conscious focus, self-awareness and continuous effort. They are not skills you will ever perfect or be able to tick off as “done”, but rather skills that you can continue to hone forever as you grow and develop as a human. There is no end point – which is both the frustration and the opportunity. No-one is a perfect communicator, for example – everyone can improve. Soft skills are the new hard, it’s as simple as that. In a world driven by technology and automation, it’s our uniquely human abilities that will truly set us apart and position us for the future.

Written by Leah Mether.

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