Which soft skills are essential for the future?

In a rapidly changing workplace where AI, automation, and technology are becoming ever more entrenched, soft skills are, conversely, becoming increasingly more relevant for improving and encouraging positive human interactions.

Because of these changes, navigating the future workplace will require a developed skill set with an emphasis on interpersonal and transferable skills which are distinctly human.

Research by LinkedIn shows “92% of talent professionals and hiring managers agree that candidates with strong soft skills are increasingly important”.

It is clear that in order to get ahead in the future workplace the following soft skills will be crucial…

1. Communication – Effective communication is crucial in any workplace. It involves not only speaking and writing clearly but also active listening, empathy, and the ability to convey ideas to different audiences.
2. Adaptability – The capacity to adapt to new technologies, work processes, and changes in the workplace is essential as industries evolve.
3. Critical thinking – Critical thinking involves problem-solving, decision-making, and the ability to analyze information and make well-informed judgments.
4. Creativity – As automation takes over routine tasks, creativity and innovation become highly valued. The ability to think creatively and generate new ideas is crucial for staying competitive.
5. Collaboration – Most jobs require some level of teamwork. Being able to work well with others, cooperate, and contribute to a team’s success is a valuable skill.
6. Emotional intelligence – Understanding and managing one’s emotions, as well as empathizing with others, are vital for building positive relationships and effective teamwork.
7. Resilience: The capacity to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to change, and manage stress is increasingly important in today’s fast-paced, uncertain world.
8. Time Management – Good time management skills help individuals stay organized and productive. This includes setting priorities, meeting deadlines, and managing workloads efficiently.
9. Leadership – Leadership skills are valuable even for non-managerial roles. Being able to motivate, inspire, and guide others can lead to career advancement.
10. Cultural competency – As the world becomes more interconnected, understanding and respecting different cultures and perspectives is important, especially in diverse workplaces.
11. Digital knowledge – With the increasing reliance on technology, digital literacy, including the ability to use various software tools, is essential for many jobs.
12. Problem solving: The capacity to identify issues, assess possible solutions, and implement effective problem-solving strategies is a valuable soft skill.
13. Networking – Building and maintaining professional networks can open up opportunities for career growth and collaboration.
14. Negotiation – The art of negotiating effectively is crucial in various aspects of work, from salary negotiations to resolving conflicts.
15. Self-motivation – Being able to set goals, stay focused, and work independently is crucial, especially in remote and flexible work environments.

These soft skills not only enhance an individual’s employability but also contribute to a more productive and harmonious work environment.

In the future, as job roles continue to evolve, these skills will remain in demand, and adaptable employees who possess these skills will be well-positioned for success.

While it may seem that the above skills are both numerous and complex, it doesn’t mean they are unattainable for the majority of individuals.

There are many ways to learn or advance your soft skills, the following information will help…

1. Soft skills training – this is the single most important factor when seeking to improve your soft skills and can really help to advance them within a short space of time. Consider which training provider offers the best fit for your required skills and check what type of delivery suits your needs. For instance, if you are an individual who learns best with others consider finding a classroom-based course or an online one which allows group participation and engagement.
2. Use mentors or coaches – learning from another’s experience (and mistakes) can save you lots of frustration and time, and is really beneficial within a workplace setting. They can help with focussing your career path, offer guidance and feedback about what works for them, and even just watching them interact with others can give a useful of example to imitate.
3. Ask for feedback – whether you’re already in a leadership role, or slowly working your way up the ladder, receiving (and acting upon) feedback can be really helpful when trying to improve your interpersonal skills. Ask others how they feel you come across, be open to their critique, and learn from their observations which areas require particular development.

Soft skills require continuous attention and improvement so we should strive to be always listening and learning.

Whatever skills you are hoping to progress, just remember that it will take time and patience but everyone can improve with consistent effort.