STOP labelling them ‘Soft Skills’

This article is inspired by a recent Coffee Mornings episode where Sam and Robbie delved into the significance of interpersonal skills, also known as “soft skills,” and proposed a shift towards calling them “people skills.” They shed light on the crucial role these skills play in the workplace and how they can influence professional connections.

View the discussion in detail below:

Why “soft skills” is a misleading term?

The term “soft skills” can be misleading as it may imply that these skills are less important than technical skills. Mastering people skills can lead to higher job satisfaction, better teamwork, and ultimately, increased productivity.

Sam Ingram and Robbie Blake argue that the term “soft skills” does not accurately represent the importance of these abilities.

Robbie points out that the word “soft” has negative connotations and doesn’t seem as valuable as other skills. Sam agrees, stating, “Soft skills almost make it sound like it’s not as important.”

Instead, they propose that “people skills” is a more fitting term.

As Sam says, “It’s directed at how you ultimately interact with other human beings, which is exactly what the skills are all about.”

From this point on, this blog will refer to soft skills as people skills to emphasise the importance of renaming them. The term “people skills” more accurately reflects their true meaning and impact in the workplace.

Background

People skills, historically referred to as soft skills, encompass a range of non-technical abilities that enable individuals to work effectively with others, communicate clearly, and adapt to change. The term “soft skills” was coined in the 1970s to differentiate these abilities from “hard skills,” or specific technical proficiencies. However, this distinction has led to a perception that people skills are less important or less challenging to learn than hard skills.

Traditionally, there has been a division between hard skills, which are typically learned through formal education or training, and soft skills, which are often considered innate or acquired through life experiences. This distinction has contributed to the misconception that people skills are easy to acquire or don’t require deliberate effort to develop. Sam and Robbie aim to dispel any misconceptions surrounding the concept of people skills and emphasise their relevance and importance. This is the fundamental message conveyed in both their discussion and this post.

“Soft skills are the most important skills that you can have in business.” – Sam Ingram , CEO

The importance of ‘people-skills’

The growing emphasis on collaboration, adaptability, and emotional intelligence in the workplace has made people skills increasingly important. These skills are vital in building strong professional relationships, driving innovation, and fostering a healthy work culture. LinkedIn’s Workplace Learning Report surveyed more than 4,000 professionals worldwide and found that 57% considered soft skills more important than hard skills. Additionally, the report identified leadership, communication, and collaboration as the most in-demand soft skills in the workplace.

Effective communication is critical in sharing information, giving clear instructions, and providing feedback in various industries. Sam sums it up accurately: as businesses are fuelled by people and relationships effective communication and relationship building is crucial for the successful operation of a business or for one to become a key player in the workplace.

“I think one thing I’ve learned is that in business, people are buying from people” – Sam Ingram, CEO

Another crucial people skill to develop is teamwork, as it significantly enhances productivity. The capability to collaborate effectively in a team setting is essential for success in the workplace.

“Being a good team player is about being able to work with other people, support them, and sometimes take a step back and let others take the lead.” – Sam Ingram , CEO

Other #softskills are; Problem-solving skills help employees address unexpected issues and develop effective solutions. Emotional intelligence is critical for understanding stakeholders’ emotional needs and providing appropriate support. Adaptability is essential for staying up-to-date with new tools, techniques, and industry trends. Time management is crucial for prioritising tasks and meeting targets. Conflict resolution skills are necessary for addressing workplace disputes and maintaining a positive work environment.

In their conversation, Sam and Robbie emphasise that these abilities are critical for professionals across industries and job functions and should not be considered secondary or supplementary to hard skills. Therefore, it is essential for employers to recognise the significance of these skills and offer opportunities for employees to develop and improve them. This investment can help ensure a positive and productive work environment, benefiting both the employees and the organisation.

The real challenge of mastering ‘people-skills’

While people skills are essential for success, they can be difficult to master. Developing interpersonal and emotional intelligence requires significant effort, self-reflection, and practice. It involves

understanding one’s own emotions, managing them effectively, and navigating social dynamics with empathy and sensitivity. Unlike technical skills, which can be learned through formal education or training, people skills are developed through experience and practice.

“People skills are very personal, so they can be hard to teach. It’s not like teaching someone how to code, where there’s a set of steps you can follow.” – Robbie Blake, Senior Recruitment Consultant

Learning people skills can be challenging due to their subjective nature and the need to adapt to different situations, contexts, and personalities. Unlike technical abilities, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to mastering people skills.

The challenges faced in learning people skills

Some of the obstacles individuals might face while developing these skills include:

1. Lack of awareness: Many people may not be aware of their shortcomings in soft skills or may underestimate their importance in personal and professional life. This lack of awareness can hinder the learning process.
2. Limited resources: While there are abundant resources for learning hard skills, soft skills training can be harder to find or less structured, making it difficult for individuals to access appropriate guidance.
3. Personal biases and mindset: People may have ingrained beliefs or attitudes that act as barriers to learning soft skills. For example, someone who believes they’re “not a people person” may struggle to improve their interpersonal skills because of this limiting mindset.
4. Subjectivity and measurement: Unlike hard skills, soft skills are often subjective and can be difficult to quantify or measure. As a result, individuals may find it challenging to assess their progress or receive constructive feedback.
5. Cultural differences: Cultural norms and expectations can influence the way soft skills are perceived and practiced. This can create challenges for individuals who work or interact with people from diverse backgrounds, as they may need to adapt their communication and behaviour accordingly.
6. Time and patience: Developing soft skills takes time, practice, and patience. Since progress might be slower or less visible than with hard skills, individuals may become discouraged or lose motivation.
7. Vulnerability: Learning soft skills often requires individuals to confront their insecurities, biases, and emotional triggers, making the process emotionally challenging and uncomfortable.
8. Balancing hard and soft skills: Professionals may find it difficult to strike the right balance between improving their hard skills, which are often more directly related to job performance, and investing time in developing their soft skills.

The effort required to develop interpersonal and emotional intelligence

Some key aspects to consider when working on personal skills: Read more...