SOFT SKILLS – WHY WE NEED THEM
The business landscape continues to change at an exponential pace. Technology and Artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming the face of business; automating processes, digitising systems and unfortunately, replacing many jobs. While technical skills are critical for one to thrive in this digital age, it has become increasingly clear that soft skills are just as necessary for business success, as well as personal growth. Soft skills highlight the potential and facilitate effectiveness in individuals and so must receive just as much attention and focus in these times.
What are soft skills?
Simply put, soft skills ( also called behavioral competencies or personal attributes ) are non-technical skills that describe how you relate and interact with others at work. It is the how of delivering tasks. These include but are not limited to communication, teamwork, interpersonal and organisational skills. Unlike technical skills which are usually gained from formal education and are measurable, soft skills are usually honed through experience over a period. In some cases, these soft skills are even innate to individuals.
While technology has been incorporated into every facet of our lives, it still lacks one critical thing; Emotional Intelligence. Human interactions are complex, nuanced and in some cases even unpredictable, which makes navigating them challenging. Technology is also somewhat inflexible and fails to consider the real-life impact of actions and inactions on human beings. It is clear that soft skills cannot be ignored.
Below are three key reasons why softs skills are needed.
Creates A Positive Work Environment
While remote working and the virtual business environment have altered dynamics of working drastically, the human elements are still needed for businesses to thrive. Where people exist, interactions need to take place. The truth is that we still have to work at building and managing interpersonal relationships to effectively deliver on our jobs. It is even possible to say that the virtual space requires more effort and intentionality in teamworking to avoid individuals working in silos. Work environments where soft skills are highlighted, nurtured and rewarded formally tend to be collaborative, exciting and performance driven.
Develops Well-Rounded Professionals.
Developing a holistic set of skills is critical for overall growth as a professional. Being very well known for your technical skills alone is not enough. Integrating well developed soft skills with technical skills can greatly enhance an individual’s professional brand. It is a differentiating factor between a well-rounded employee and a task focused employee.
Soft Skills Can Positively Impact On Career Progression
Soft skills are critical for career progression. More and more, there is a requirement for senior managers to demonstrate soft skills such as leadership, strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, team building and problem solving. Those in these positions must know how to communicate effectively with various audiences, resolve conflict, partner with others to deliver goals, plan and organize resources, take decisions and solve problems. It is important that whilst developing technical competencies all professionals develop their soft skills as well. It is important not to wait till one is in senior management before looking to enhance the soft skills. In fact, it is the soft skills that will propel professionals into senior management.
In conclusion, it is important to state that being technically proficient is no longer enough. As technology continues to transform our lives, it is necessary that we pay close attention to our behavioral competencies and nurture them just as much as we do the technical.
Nii Kpakpo Adoteye Anum Mrs. Betty Zormelo
HR Consultant Managing Director
Zormelo & Associates Zormelo & Associates
