Why soft skills are harder to develop than you think

Developing the technical skills needed to work with AI and machine learning systems can be difficult, but developing the soft skills needed to maximise these cutting-edge tools? That’s a different story. Learning how to apply critical thinking and problem-solving with the tools is not as straightforward as learning a manual on how a machine works.

Soft skills encompass a broad range of interpersonal qualities, communication abilities, and cognitive capabilities. Think critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, leadership, teamwork, and emotional intelligence – essentially, the skills that allow us to effectively interact with others, understand different perspectives and navigate complex situations.

But why are soft skills so important today? The answer is simple: as AI takes over more technical and routine tasks, the uniquely human skills of judgement, empathy, and collaboration become even more valuable.

Imagine a team of engineers developing a new AI-powered diagnostic tool for healthcare. They have the hard skills to build the algorithms and train the system on vast datasets.  But what about the soft skills needed to ensure the tool is used ethically, its results communicated clearly to patients, and its potential biases identified and addressed? These things require critical thinking, empathy, and strong communication skills – all hallmarks of a well-rounded professional.

And many organisations recognize the urgency of developing soft skills among their people. In fact, at least 57% of learning and development leaders are prioritising upskilling employees in soft skills, outpacing even the demand for technical capabilities.

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What makes soft skills hard to develop

One of the primary reasons soft skills are more challenging to develop than hard skills lies in their inherent subjectivity. Unlike concrete technical abilities, soft skills are often intertwined with personality traits, emotional intelligence, and social awareness. They are less about following a set of rules and more about adapting to the nuances of human interaction.

Consider communication, a cornerstone of soft skills. What constitutes "good" communication can vary greatly depending on the context, the audience, and even the cultural background of those involved. A direct, assertive communication style might be effective in one situation but come across as abrasive in another. This fluidity makes it difficult to define, measure, and teach soft skills in the same way we teach coding or data analysis.

Furthermore, there's a lack of standardised assessments or certifications for soft skills. While you can earn a certification in a specific programming language, there's no universally recognized "empathy certification" or "collaboration licence." This makes it harder to quantify and track progress in soft skills development, leading to a sense of ambiguity and making it challenging to set clear goals.

This subjective nature also contributes to the difficulty in receiving objective feedback on soft skills. While a coding error might be flagged immediately by a compiler, feedback on communication style of leadership approach is often more nuanced and subjective, relying on individual interpretation and perception. This can make it harder to identify areas for improvement and measure progress.

The importance of self-awareness in developing soft skills

A crucial foundation for soft skills development is self-awareness – the ability to understand your own strengths, weaknesses, emotions, and behaviours, and how they impact others. It allows you to identify areas where you can improve.

For example, if you're unaware of your tendency to interrupt others during conversations, you'll likely struggle to develop effective listening skills. Similarly, if you're blind to your own emotional reactions, you may find it challenging to manage conflict constructively or build strong relationships.

However, achieving true self-awareness can be surprisingly difficult. We all have blind spots and biases that distort our self-perception. It's easy to overestimate our strengths and underestimate our weaknesses, especially when it comes to soft skills, which are often tied to our personality and deeply ingrained habits.

This is where feedback becomes invaluable. Seeking honest feedback from trusted colleagues, mentors, or friends can provide valuable insights into how others perceive you and identify areas where you might be unaware of your own behaviours or their impact. Self-reflection is another powerful tool for cultivating self-awareness.

Taking time to analyse your own actions, reactions, and thought patterns can help you uncover underlying motivations and identify areas for growth. Journaling, meditation, and mindfulness practices can all facilitate deeper self-reflection.

Ultimately, developing strong soft skills requires a willingness to look inward, to honestly assess your own strengths and weaknesses, and to embrace a growth mindset.

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How to foster soft skills development in the workforce

While the subjective nature of soft skills makes them harder to develop, it doesn't make them unattainable. Leaders play a crucial role in fostering a workplace culture that prioritises and nurtures these essential skills. Here are some strategies to bridge the gap and empower employees to hone their soft skills:

Provide structured training. Invest in workshops, seminars, or online courses that focus on specific soft skills, such as communication, conflict resolution, or emotional intelligence. Tailor training programs to address the specific challenges of your workforce.

Encourage self-reflection. Provide tools and resources that promote self-reflection, such as journaling prompts, personality assessments, or 360-degree feedback mechanisms. Encourage employees to regularly reflect on their interactions and identify areas for growth.

Foster a feedback-rich environment. Create a safe space where employees can receive constructive feedback on their soft skills. Encourage open communication and provide opportunities for peer-to-peer feedback, mentoring, and coaching.

Integrate soft skills into performance evaluations. Include soft skills as a key component of performance evaluations, recognizing and rewarding employees who demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Create opportunities for practice. Design team-building activities, collaborative projects, and cross-functional initiatives that provide opportunities for employees to practise and refine their soft skills in real-world scenarios.

Leverage technology. Utilise online platforms and tools that offer simulations, role-playing exercises, and interactive modules to enhance soft skills training and provide personalised feedback.

Investing in soft skills: Is it worth it?

In a world increasingly driven by technology, it's tempting to focus solely on acquiring the latest technical skills. However, true success hinges on a delicate balance between technical proficiency and the ability to navigate the complexities of human interaction.

Investing in soft skills development is not just about enhancing individual capabilities. It’s about building a future where technology serves humanity's best interests.

As AI and automation reshape the workplace, soft skills will become even more crucial in ensuring that these powerful tools are used ethically, responsibly, and for the betterment of society.

By embracing the challenge of soft skills development, we empower ourselves to thrive in a world of constant change, to build meaningful connections, and to unlock our full potential as human beings.

The journey may be ongoing, the path winding, but the rewards – both personal and professional – are immeasurable.