Many people dislike the term soft skills. It implies that development of these attributes is somehow secondary to being able to develop harder or technical skills that are easier to see and measure.
What are soft skills and why so crucial?
We exist in an environment which is increasingly based on services and so our soft skills to in interacting and developing relationships can be the difference between succeeding and failing.
We also have alternative intelligence on our doorstep and so we are left with questions of what we still have two offer as human beings. This is where developing soft skills bridges the gap.
Soft skills can be difficult to imitate or copy as they are by their very nature relational. This can provide a unique advantage to the individuals who have these skills or can develop them. It also makes them more valuable to the businesses they work in or lead.
Meta soft skills
We have listed the 7 Secret Soft Skills for Success later. Before getting to this, though, it is also important to think about power meta skill sets.
In a nutshell a meta skill is one which is an umbrella skill covering a range of more specific skills. For example, meta skills which are crucial to develop include:
- mindset
- creativity
- critical thinking
- emotional intelligence
The 7 Secret Soft Skills for Success
In no particular order, here are arguably the are seven most valuable soft skills to develop 2023:
- Communication: The ability to effectively communicate with others is crucial in any business setting. This includes not only verbal communication, but also written communication, such as emails and reports
- Problem-solving: The ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely and effective manner is essential
- Time management: Time is a finite resource. The ability to prioritise tasks, manage workload, and meet deadlines is key
- Leadership: The ability to inspire and guide others towards a shared goal is crucial in any position. It doesn’t need to say ‘leader’ in your job title to be one
- Collaboration: The ability to work effectively with others as part of a team is essential, particularly in the context of rapid change and a workforce of very different perspectives.
- Adaptability: The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and environments is important in today’s rapidly-changing professional and personal environments
- Interpersonal skills: The ability to build and maintain positive relationships with colleagues, clients, and other stakeholders is crucial in business. This includes the ability to listen actively, show empathy, and handle conflict
How can we help?
Through our DRIVE programme or through individual coaching we can support your development of both meta and individual skills that will underpin your future growth. Let’s start that conversation now.