What are soft skills' complexities and under appreciated aspects in the modern work environment?

inspired by Anne-Laure Le Cunff 

The phrase "soft skills" often carries an unfair connotation of being less crucial than "hard skills," which generally refer to technical abilities. For years, there's been a strong focus on cultivating hard skills, particularly in engineering and computer science. This inclination often comes from traditional educational systems and parental and societal expectations. One example that springs to mind is a project my team worked on a few years ago. We had all the technical expertise we needed, but we needed to work on collaboration and effective communication. Our initial enthusiasm waned as disagreements arose, and we failed to deliver the project on time. It was a harsh realization that our collective hard skills were insufficient to guarantee success; our soft skills were severely lacking.

The notion that soft skills cannot be learned is yet another obstacle. For instance, soft skills encompass various interpersonal skills and traits like creativity, persuasion, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. And unlike hard skills, they are only sometimes easily quantifiable. This leads to the misconception that they can't be taught, measured, or developed, which isn't true.

Why is this the Situation?

Despite their name, soft skills are complex and intricate to understand, partly because they are so deeply woven into our personalities and day-to-day interactions. They range from how you communicate and collaborate to adapting to changing circumstances. While hard skills are usually industry-specific and have measurable parameters, soft skills are universal and difficult to quantify. 

Moreover, soft skills should be more recognized in traditional educational settings focused on academic and technical achievements. This underestimation starts early and continues into higher education, especially in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields. Often, the curriculum does not include courses that foster these skills, reinforcing the bias that they are "optional" or "secondary."

However, data from studies like Google's Project Aristotle and various research findings from Rutgers University suggest the opposite. Soft skills such as emotional intelligence, dependability, and psychological safety within teams are paramount for success. I remember a scenario where an exceptionally talented coder needed more interpersonal skills. Despite his technical prowess, he created tension in the team and was eventually let go. His hard skills got him the job, but his lack of soft skills prevented him from keeping it. 

Approaching or Resolving

Communication: Effective communication is a two-way street. It's not just about how you speak but also how attentively you listen. I recall a junior developer who initially struggled to explain her ideas but blossomed after receiving constructive feedback.

Openness: Be open to new experiences, ideas, and, most importantly, feedback. In one instance, a project failed due to a lack of adaptability. The team was so set on their ways that they were resistant to change, even when it was evident that the initial plan wasn't working.

Respect: A culture of mutual respect is foundational for every successful team. In my experience, teams that respect each other's opinions are more harmonious and productive.

Empathy: Understanding the perspectives of others is crucial, particularly in a multicultural work environment. One team I managed was diverse, and displaying empathy toward each other's backgrounds and viewpoints helped create a more cohesive team.

Versatility: Being versatile not only in your skills but also in your problem-solving approach can be a game-changer. In my early career, I was part of a team stuck on a problem for days until someone suggested a completely different direction, which worked. 

Adaptability: The rate of change in the tech industry is astronomical. The team that adapts thrives.

Leadership: Being a leader doesn't mean you have the most experience; it means you can effectively guide your team through challenges.

Understanding: Take the time to understand the task at hand and the people you work with.

Emotional Intelligence: In a previous role, we had an executive who displayed high emotional intelligence by actively engaging with the team, which had a noticeably positive effect on morale.

Synergy: The sum of a well-synchronized team is more significant than its parts. Creating this kind of synergy can lead to unprecedented innovation.

Additional Material

- [LinkedIn Survey on In-demand Soft Skills](https://www.linkedin.com)

- [Rutgers University Research on Emotional Intelligence](https://www.rutgers.edu)

- [Google's Project Aristotle](https://rework.withgoogle.com)

While soft skills may seem challenging to define or measure, their impact on a successful career is undeniable. I'd love to hear from you if you have other tools or methods to develop these essential skills. The key takeaway is that soft skills are learnable, measurable, and crucial for professional success in any field.