A "Soft Skills" Shift
In today's ever-evolving job market, the term "soft skills" has long been used to describe the vital interpersonal abilities that complement technical expertise. However, the adjective "soft" may inadvertently downplay the true strength and endurance of these skills. Recent years have witnessed a significant shift towards alternative terms such as "human skills," "people skills," "power skills," or even "durable skills" to convey their significance and lasting impact more accurately. Let's explore why these alternative terms better encapsulate the essence of these essential abilities, drawing insights from America Succeeds' research on the durable skills imperative for the future workforce.
The term "soft skills" can be misleading because it seemingly suggests a lack of substance or importance compared to "hard skills" – those technical abilities that are often quantifiable and job-specific. However, as the job market evolves, it is increasingly evident that interpersonal skills are far from "soft." In reality, they serve as the cornerstone for successful careers and thriving workplaces.
"Human skills" or "people skills" offer a more fitting description of these abilities. These terms emphasize the pivotal role of interpersonal relationships, communication, empathy, and collaboration in our professional lives. Human skills are not merely a complement to hard skills but the bedrock upon which hard skills are effectively applied.
Another term gaining prominence is "power skills." This designation shines a light on the transformative potential of human skills within the workplace. Power skills empower individuals to navigate complex challenges, resolve conflicts, and inspire others. They constitute the driving force behind effective leadership, teamwork, and innovation.
Imagine a manager equipped with robust power skills who can inspire their team, communicate a compelling vision, and adapt to changing circumstances with resilience. Such a manager fosters a positive work environment and propels productivity and innovation. These skills are, without a doubt, powerful and capable of propelling both individuals and organizations to greater heights.
Additionally, consider a software engineer with exceptional coding skills but lacking the ability to collaborate or communicate effectively. While their technical expertise may be impressive, without human skills, their contribution to a team or organization would be limited. Consequently, "human skills" more precisely characterize these abilities as central, indispensable, and irreplaceable.
America Succeeds' research on "durable skills" reinforces the idea that human skills are not fleeting or temporary but rather enduring and adaptable. In an ever-changing job landscape, these skills serve as a steadfast anchor. Durable skills encompass adaptability, creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence, all essential for long-term career success.
As we navigate the future uncertainties, it becomes increasingly evident that human skills, power skills, or durable skills will remain in high demand. These abilities empower individuals to thrive in any profession and enable organizations to cultivate resilient, agile, and collaborative teams.
It may be time to retire the term "soft skills" and wholeheartedly embrace more precise and empowering terminology, such as "human skills," “people skills,” "power skills," or "durable skills." These terms aptly convey these indispensable abilities' genuine value and endurance within today's workforce. By focusing on developing and recognizing human skills, we can better equip ourselves and our organizations for success in the ever-evolving world of work.
Reference:
High Demand for Durable Skills, retrieved from America Succeeds
