Collaborative Working – The Soft Skills Disconnect
Hargraves Institute
Empowering leaders since 2006 through tools, skills, and a People-First Approach
In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, the significance of collaborative working has never been more pronounced. However, as we delve deeper into the dynamics of modern workplaces, it becomes increasingly evident that success isn't solely reliant on technical prowess; it hinges significantly on the often-overlooked domain of soft skills.
A century-old study by Charles Riborg Mann, published in 1918 by the Carnegie Foundation - Peace Palace / Carnegie Stichting - Vredespaleis dation, sheds light on a profound revelation: 85% of job success stems from well-developed soft and people skills, with only 15% attributed to technical expertise. Yet, despite this long-standing awareness, the allocation of training resources tells a different story.
LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky predicts a pivotal shift in 2024, echoing the sentiments of 92% of US executives who believe that people skills are more critical than ever. This assertion aligns with the findings of various studies, including those highlighted in a Wired article, emphasising the indispensability of problem-solving, empathy, and active listening in today's professional landscape.
Furthermore, a glance at the IT industry's demands underscores the universal appeal of soft skills. The ACS (Australian Computer Society) Guide to IT Professions 2022 identifies communication, teamwork/collaboration, and problem-solving as the top three sought-after skills, underscoring their transference across diverse occupational realms.
However, amidst the push for collaboration, challenges such as collaborative drag emerge. Philip Arkcoll coll and the Worklytics team caution against the pitfalls of excessive collaboration, advocating for a balanced approach that maximises team performance while minimising inefficiencies.
To navigate this landscape effectively, five actionable steps are proposed:
1. Prioritise Soft Skills: Allocate resources towards programs aimed at enhancing essential soft skills, including communication, emotional intelligence, empathy, and collaboration.
2. Reduce Collaborative Drag: Implement strategies to alleviate collaborative drag, allowing for deeper focus and meaningful interactions.
3. Create a Balanced Network: Cultivate a network that combines deep connections with broader acquaintances to access diverse perspectives and resources effectively.
4. Encourage Local Collaboration: Foster a collaborative culture within small teams, promoting brainstorming and collective efforts towards shared objectives.
5. Facilitate Bridging Relationships: Encourage cross-departmental connections to stimulate idea exchange and innovation.
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In conclusion, the imperative for collaborative working underscores the pivotal role of soft skills in driving organisational success. As we navigate the complexities of the modern workplace, investing in these foundational competencies becomes not just an option but a necessity for thriving in the evolving landscape of work.
References:
- National Soft Skills Association: [The Soft Skills Disconnect](https://www.nationalsoftskills.org/the-soft-skills-disconnect/)
- Harvard University, Carnegie Foundation, Stanford Research Center: A Study of Engineering Education, Charles Riborg Mann (1918) The cited figures come from the data on pages 106‐107. https://www.nationalsoftskills.org/downloads/Mann-1918-Study_of_Engineering_Educ.pdf
- American Society for Training and Development (ASTD): The State of the Industry Report (Green and McGill, 2011)
- Wired: [The AI-Fueled Future of Work Needs Humans More Than Ever](https://www.wired.com/story/the-ai-fueled-future-of-work-needs-humans-more-than-ever/)
- ACS Guide to IT Professions 2022: Are you Tech ready?
- LinkedIn: [Collaboration Articles Insights](https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/collaboration-articles-insights-michael-arena-bfbyc/?trackingId=Xdp1SQ38Qhidj1%2Bu7wuRug%3D%3D)
- Worklytics: [If Your Exec Team Wants to Move Faster, Ask](https://www.dhirubhai.net/posts/worklytics_if-your-exec-team-wants-to-move-faster-ask-activity-7158110820759957504-4R7U/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_pulse_read%3BM0emCSvtRSmN7iw0pwpb2A%3D%3D)