The ability to adapt and thrive in the workplace has become a fundamental skill. In addition to technical skills, the so-called "hard skills," companies are increasingly recognizing the value of "soft skills" or personal abilities. These cross-cutting skills have emerged as a crucial element of differentiation and success, both for businesses and candidates seeking to stand out in a highly competitive job market.
Index:
- Soft Skills and Cultural Transformation
- What is meant by soft skills
- The role of soft skills
- The top 5 according to Forbes magazine
The Inevitable Role of Soft Skills
Digital transformation, one of the driving forces of change in the business world, has made soft skills even more relevant. According to an IDC Perspective study, the implementation of digitization projects requires much more than just technology. The ability to relate, negotiate, lead, and sponsor change has become crucial, as cultural transformation is the foundation of digital transformation. IDC has dubbed soft skills the "silent heroes of Digital Transformation," acknowledging their fundamental role in adapting and evolving businesses in an increasingly technology-oriented world.
What Are Soft Skills?
The concept of soft skill refers to skills related to emotional intelligence and personal abilities. These competences are versatile and relevant to the personality and relational qualities of each individual. They do not focus on technical skills but rather on how a person interacts with others, solves problems, develops ideas, manages their time, and takes responsibility. Abilities such as listening, communicating, teamwork, flexibility, and leadership are essential for success in the workplace, especially with highly collaborative new work models.
The Importance of Soft Skills
Soft skills have become an almost ubiquitous requirement in both the skills sought in job postings and candidates' resumes. For the latter, demonstrating their soft skills can make a difference in the selection process when there are candidates with similar technical training and skills. For companies, soft skills have become a response to talent shortages, as they enhance attractiveness when integrated into the corporate culture. They are also intangible assets of great value when a company competes in the market, directly linked to talent acquisition and retention.
Guide to the Most Sought-After Soft Skills
Effective communication, leadership, problem-solving ability, and demonstrating a strategic vision are the most sought-after soft skills by employers today. Empathy, patience, problem-solving, assertive communication, and time management are highly valued personal qualities worth cultivating. The American magazine Forbes has compiled a ranking, listing the crucial soft skills for 2023, with the top 5 positions being: Critical thinking; Decision making; Emotional intelligence and empathy; Creativity; Collaboration and teamwork.
