Whether you call them soft, human or flexibility skills, they build strong career foundations.

Has the global pandemic and rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) made us value what connects us as humans?

This question highlights the growing importance of human skills in today’s workplace. Often called soft skills, these capabilities now carry greater weight. In fact, terms such as ‘flexibility skills’ and ‘power skills’ better reflect their value. Strong interpersonal skills improve productivity, efficiency and work quality. Moreover, collaboration encourages fresh ideas, innovation and growth. As the proverb says, “Many hands make light work.” Similarly, the Native American Hopi saying reminds us that “One finger cannot lift a pebble”.

 

Several global trends have increased the importance of these skills. Globalisation has created more cross-cultural business interactions, while diverse workforces demand inclusive leadership. Furthermore, growing environmental, social and governance (ESG) expectations require organisations to lead with greater empathy.

 

Digitisation has also changed how organisations value soft skills. As digital capabilities become more common, online learning creates new development opportunities. Consequently, employers increasingly prioritise attitude over technical ability. As AI transforms the workplace, this approach will become even more important.

 

Today, soft skills shape hiring decisions, employee success and career progression. Ultimately, these human capabilities help professionals stand out in an increasingly digital world.

 

What are soft skills? 

Soft skills are human qualities that help us interact effectively with others at work. They include positivity, communication, collaboration, cultural awareness, leadership and emotional intelligence (EQ).

Common workplace scenarios:

  • Have you ever noticed how one colleague’s ideas always gain support? Sarah, for example, often wins everyone over, even when the team initially favours another suggestion.
  • Then there’s Mpumi, the procurement deputy everyone approaches with complex problems. Whether tackling sales strategies, IT challenges or talent policies, Mpumi quickly finds practical solutions.
  • Meanwhile, poor coordination between departments has delayed a product launch for 18 months. Senior management struggles to align developers with market research. However, Jonas arrives from regional headquarters and gets everyone working together within a month. As a result, the launch returns to schedule.

 

These examples highlight three essential soft skills: persuasion, critical thinking and conflict management. Sarah, Mpumi and Jonas demonstrate why soft skills are also power skills. They help people solve problems, influence decisions and achieve results. Moreover, professionals who develop these skills strengthen their reputation and influence within organisations.

 

Intelligence is not enough  

Developing knowledge and interpersonal skills helps professionals prepare for an unpredictable future. In a survey of 10,000 business leaders and employees, 60% believed that few people would enjoy stable, long-term employment. Even computer scientists face declining demand for certain technical skills.

 

However, adaptable skills remain valuable as workplaces evolve. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs report highlights critical thinking, problem-solving, resilience, stress management, flexibility and active learning as essential workplace skills.

 

Therefore, employers increasingly value professionals with a growth mindset. These individuals embrace continuous learning and actively develop new skills, including soft skills or power skills.

 

5 Ways to Develop Your Soft Skills

Here are five practical ways to strengthen your soft skills and support your team’s development:

1. Build self-awareness. Harvard psychologist Daniel Goleman identifies five elements of emotional intelligence (EQ): self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social skills. People with high EQ understand their emotions, recognise others’ needs and adapt their behaviour to different situations. They also align their actions with their goals. Ultimately, emotional intelligence means understanding yourself and others while acting fairly and responsibly.

2. Focus on your strengths and weaknesses. With so many soft skills to develop, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. Therefore, consider your career goals, strengths and areas for improvement. First, build on your existing strengths to increase their impact. Then, identify weaknesses that could limit your career growth. For example, your manager may praise your ability to motivate colleagues. Strengthening this leadership skill could support your career progression. However, you might struggle to delegate tasks. Improving this skill will help you manage responsibilities and prepare for leadership roles.

3. Practise your soft skills. Developing soft skills takes time, effort and practice. Moreover, different situations require different approaches. For example, Goleman identifies six leadership styles. A coercive approach may help during a business turnaround, while a coaching style supports long-term development. Effective leaders recognise when to adapt their approach. However, mastering this flexibility requires continuous learning and experience.

4. Read to strengthen critical thinking. Critical thinking involves analysing information, questioning assumptions and making informed decisions. It also requires objectivity and an awareness of personal biases. Although techniques can improve reasoning, reading remains a valuable tool. Therefore, explore different subjects, challenge your perspectives and stay curious. Continuous learning expands your knowledge and strengthens your ability to solve complex problems.

5. Create opportunities to develop power skills. Leaders should encourage soft skills development across their teams. Start by creating a workplace that values empathy, diversity and inclusion. Furthermore, encourage collaboration, creativity and open communication. Give employees opportunities to share ideas, challenge assumptions and develop confidence. A supportive workplace helps employees strengthen their power skills and contribute more effectively.

 

Understanding the Different Types of Intelligence

Goleman’s work on emotional intelligence has inspired several related concepts, including:

  • AQ (Adversity Quotient): The ability to overcome challenges.

  • CQ (Cultural or Curiosity Quotient): Cultural awareness and curiosity.

  • DQ (Digital Quotient): Digital knowledge and adaptability.

  • PQ (Physical Quotient): Awareness of physical signals and responses.

  • VQ (Vision Quotient): The ability to inspire others through a clear vision.

 

While these concepts highlight different capabilities, they share a common goal: understanding ourselves, others and the world around us.

 

Together, these skills help us manage pressure, solve problems, communicate ideas and improve workplace performance.

Ultimately, soft skills help us become better professionals and achieve better results.

 

Develop Your Power Skills with DigitalCampus

 

DigitalCampus offers a range of relevant courses to help you strengthen your interpersonal skills and advance your career.

 

Contact us today to explore your professional development opportunities.

Written By:

Kevin Williams

Managing Executive

DigitalCampus

In partnership with Dave Gorin