From Soft Skills to Strong Results: How Women Leaders Can Differentiate Themselves

In the ever-evolving landscape of professional development, the true catalysts of career success are often found not in the mastery of hard skills but in the nuanced realm of human skills.

A landmark study over a century ago by Harvard University, the Carnegie Foundation, and Stanford Research Center highlights a compelling statistic: 85% of job success stems from well-developed soft skills and people skills. In comparison, only 15% comes from technical knowledge. This revelation underscores the critical importance of soft skills in achieving and sustaining professional excellence, particularly for women in leadership roles.

Fast forward to a more recent report, and the commitment to soft skills development still seems to lag behind their recognized importance. A 2011 report by the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) reveals that U.S. employers spent a staggering $171.5 billion on employee learning and development in 2010. Yet, only 27.6% of these training dollars were allocated to soft skills training.

Even more recently, in March 2024, the Wiley Workplace Intelligence report showed that 74% of individuals surveyed said their organization offers skills training of any kind, and only one-third said they are provided soft skills training.

So, based on research, soft skills are estimated to be six times more important than hard skills for job success. If the foundational benefits of soft skills have been known since 1918, one might wonder why nearly three-quarters of all training investments still prioritize hard skills.

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The Opportunity

This discrepancy underscores a significant opportunity for women in leadership. By focusing on and enhancing their soft skills, women leaders can differentiate themselves in a marketplace that undervalues these essential competencies.

Skills such as emotional intelligence, effective communication, adaptability, and relationship building are not just nice-to-haves but crucial drivers of professional efficacy and organizational success.

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The Power of Human Skills

In leadership, human skills — often termed soft or interpersonal skills — include a broad spectrum of competencies that enable women to manage teams effectively and navigate workplace dynamics with finesse and empathy.

Here are some essential human skills that every woman leader will benefit from cultivating:

1.??? Emotional Intelligence:

Emotional intelligence is at the heart of effective leadership. It empowers women to connect with their teams, recognize the emotional undercurrents of their environments, and respond with sensitivity and understanding. This skill is invaluable in mentoring others, managing stress, and inspiring loyalty and commitment.

2.??? Masterful Communication:

Clear and persuasive communication is pivotal. It goes beyond conveying messages; it’s about listening, engaging in meaningful dialogue, and building trust. Women leaders who excel in communication can advocate more effectively for their ideas and influence the broader organizational agenda.

3.??? Adaptability in the Face of Change:

The ability to adapt to changing circumstances is a hallmark of resilient leadership. For women at the top, this means embracing change, whether technological advancements, organizational restructuring, or shifts in market dynamics, and guiding their teams through these changes with confidence and clarity.

4.??? Relationship Building:

The strength of professional relationships can make or break leadership success. Women who prioritize relationship building tend to cultivate a supportive network that enhances their influence and bolsters their ability to navigate career challenges and opportunities.

5.??? Collaboration:

Effective collaboration involves working together to achieve a common goal. It requires seeing different perspectives, synthesizing ideas, and creating inclusive solutions that benefit all involved. Leaders who foster a collaborative environment encourage innovation and collective problem-solving.

6.??? Self-understanding:

It involves deep insight into one’s strengths, weaknesses, emotions, and drives. Leaders with a strong sense of self are better equipped to manage their behaviors and make decisions that align with their values and objectives.

7.??? Social Responsibility:

Leadership extends beyond the confines of the office — it also involves a commitment to the community and the greater good. Leaders with a strong sense of social responsibility demonstrate ethical practices and inspire their teams to contribute positively to society.

8.??? Accountability:

A key aspect of leadership is accountability for actions and decisions. It builds trust among team members and sets a standard of responsibility that encourages everyone to uphold their commitments and duties.

9.??? Critical Thinking:

This skill is essential for analyzing situations, making informed decisions, and solving problems effectively. Critical thinking enables leaders to understand the more profound implications of their actions and the strategic moves of the business landscape.

By owning, nurturing, and leaning into these human skills, women leaders can enhance their effectiveness and lead their teams with a unique blend of professionalism, empathy, and insight. These skills are essential for personal success and crucial for fostering a healthy, dynamic, and productive workplace.

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Differentiating with Soft Skills

In a competitive job market, where technical skills often reach parity, soft skills can be a significant differentiator. They are particularly crucial for women aiming to rise to the top echelons of an organization, where strategic decision-making, team cohesion, and visionary leadership are imperative. Effectively leveraging these skills allows women to create a distinctive leadership style that is both impactful and inspiring.

In embracing and refining these human skills, women leaders position themselves at the forefront of current leadership needs and champion a more balanced approach to professional development — one that values the human element as much as technical expertise.

As we continue to navigate the complexities of modern workplaces, the insights from historical and contemporary studies serve as a powerful reminder: the actual levers of leadership success lie in the mastery of human skills.

Let’s not wait another century to correct the course. It’s time to invest wisely in our professional development, focusing on the skills that truly matter.

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Are you ready to elevate your leadership journey?

Join us at “Leadership Roadmap: For Women on the Rise” to explore advanced strategies and insights tailored to help you harness the power of your unique skills for maximum impact. Let’s navigate this journey together and transform your leadership potential into palpable success.

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