Written by As you embark on your journey in the workforce, you may have come across articles emphasizing the significance of developing “vital softskills” such as self-improvement and management, communication and presentation skills, leadership abilities, critical and creative thinking, and value-based thinking. Indeed, research validates the importance of these competencies in fostering great leadership and distinguishing high-performers from their peers. As employers increasingly seek candidates with a well-rounded skill set, these abilities have become invaluable.
However, as a newcomer to the corporate world, I find it unsettling to label these crucial skills as anything but impactful and essential. They require strength, emotional intelligence, and personal growth, making them far from “soft.” I’ve been pondering the rationale behind framing these essential traits in a way that may undervalue them.A closer look at the dictionary’s definition of “soft” reveals adjectives like agreeable, quiet, subdued, easy, impressionable, and weak. None of these descriptors truly capture the depth and impact of the competencies mentioned above. By categorizing technical and quantifiable skills as “hard,” it almost seems as if we are prioritizing work output over personal character.This framing has consequences.
Throughout my education and early career, I’ve noticed how it can deter people from placing emphasis on building healthy relationships with themselves and others. I’ve personally experienced the pressure to prioritize productivity over people, as if such a mindset were the only path to success.In truth, the skills labeled “vital” are far from trivial. Self-improvement and management, communication and presentation skills, leadership abilities, critical and creative thinking, and value-based thinking are critical in creating an inclusive and harmonious workforce. As we face pressing global challenges that demand understanding and collaboration, downplaying the significance of these skills is a mistake. In a rapidly changing world, where adaptability and open-mindedness are essential, why don’t we prioritize these competencies?
The Need to Reevaluate Vital Skills:To build a more equitable and sustainable future, it is crucial to recognize that the skills often termed “vital” are actually the most essential ones. Here’s how to develop and harness the power of these competencies:
1. Self-Improvement & Management:
– Set personal goals and regularly track your progress.
– Cultivate self-awareness and practice self-reflective exercises.
– Develop time management and organizational skills to optimize productivity.
2. Communication & Presentation Skills:
– Practice active listening and seek to understand others’ perspectives.
– Hone your verbal and non-verbal communication skills for effective interactions.
– Master the art of delivering compelling presentations and conveying ideas clearly.
3. Leadership Abilities:
– Identify and leverage your strengths to lead by example. – Empower and inspire others to achieve common goals. – Develop emotional intelligence to navigate challenges and build strong teams.
4. Critical, Creative Thinking & Cognitive Abilities:
– Analyze complex problems from multiple angles.
– Embrace innovation and generate creative solutions.
– Sharpen your cognitive abilities through continuous learning and intellectual challenges.
5. Value-Based Thinking:
– Identify and prioritize your core values and principles.
– Align your decisions and actions with your values.
– Foster an ethical and empathetic approach in personal and professional interactions.
Upskillshare.com: Your Resource for Vital Skill DevelopmentAt upskillshare.com, we believe that true professional growth goes beyond technical expertise. Our platform offers a wide range of courses and resources dedicated to developing these vital skills. From self-improvement and management to communication, leadership, critical, creative thinking, and value-based thinking, our expert instructors will guide you on your journey to becoming a well-rounded and impactful professional.Join our community today, and unlock the potential within yourself to build meaningful connections, thrive in diverse environments, and contribute to a more compassionate and inclusive workforce. With upskillshare.com, you’ll gain the skills that truly matter—the ones that enable you to excel both professionally and personally. Together, let’s redefine the importance of these vital skills and recognize the immense value they bring to our lives and our careers.