soft skills & the future of work

SOFT SKILLS ARE HARDYet critical for performance, culture & the future of work.

SOFT V HARD (TECHNICAL) SKILLSSoft Skills

Reflect unique strengths Knowledge; character; social skills, and a sense of agency

Identify and solve problems Ask interesting questions Work collaboratively Work with purpose

Hard (Technical) Skills

Degree/qualification Training & experience in particular software

Quantitative research & reporting

Languages Follow specifications, directions

WHAT ARE SOFT SKILLS?Combinations of:

• People skills• Social skills• Communication skills• Character traits• Attitudes• Emotional

intelligence

TOP 10 SOFT SKILLS1. Communication2. Courtesy3. Flexibility (adaptability)4. Integrity5. Interpersonal6. Positive attitude7. Professionalism8. Responsibility9. Team Work10. Work ethic

IMPACT ON PERFORMANCETop 10 Soft Skills1. Communication2. Courtesy3. Flexibility 4. Integrity5. Interpersonal6. Positive attitude7. Professionalism8. Responsibility9. Team Work10. Work ethic

Completing high quality work Collaborating with x-functional groups Making presentations, representing the

Org. Persuading and negotiating Taking direction and feedback Handling rapidly-changing environments Working with diverse people &

management

SOFT SKILLS FOR THE FUTUREWhen technical skills can be automated, the future of work will shift from following instructions to critical thinking: recognising, analysing and solving problems.

HOW CAN YOU IMPROVE YOUR SOFT SKILLS?

Reflection Journal - what areas do you need to

improve in? Be mindful of actions and interactions.

Awareness Ask friends and family for feedback. Start noticing how others act & react.

Practice These are not technical skills which can be

learned in a set time period. Find ways to leave your comfort zone to

practice and then reflect (journal) on what you felt & learned

(This is the hard bit)

WHAT ELSE CAN I DO? Read, read, read!

Not business articles – read fiction, histories, philosophy & comics

If you’re a job seeker, highlight your soft skills in applications If you’re recruiting, make sure you consider soft skills in applicants

Watch Brene Brown’s TED talk on the Power of Vulnerability Watch Ken Robinson’s TED talk on Education Killing Creativity Read some more!

AND ENJOY BEING HUMAN

Want to connect?https://au.linkedin.com/in/edoxey