Why Power Skills Are Your Secret Weapon for Work and Life

Ever wondered what truly sets people apart in the workplace? It’s not just technical knowledge or expertise; it's how well they communicate, adapt, and lead. Philip Hanlon, president of Dartmouth College, coined the term power skills to describe these invaluable abilities. They're the social and emotional talents, such as communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence, that shape both personal and professional success.

The term "power skills" is a rebranding of "soft skills", which was originally coined by the U.S. Army in the late 1960s. Some experts prefer the term "power skills" because they believe the word "soft" diminishes the importance of these skills. Others say that "power" is a better adjective because skills like communication and leadership give people power in the workplace.

In an age dominated by Artificial Intelligence, where technical skills are increasingly automated, power skills are becoming more crucial. AI can handle data analysis and repetitive tasks, but it can't yet navigate human emotions, manage diverse teams, or foster innovation—these require the human touch. As automation becomes more widespread, the demand for workers who excel in areas AI cannot reach is growing.

As automation takes over more routine tasks, the ability for humans to perform tasks beyond what machines can handle becomes increasingly valuable. AI enhances productivity, but it also highlights the importance of uniquely human skills such as creativity, complex problem-solving, and emotional intelligence.

So, how can you develop these power skills and unleash your full potential?

Top Power Skills and How to Develop Them

1. Good Communication

Communication is more than just exchanging information—it's about delivering value concisely and effectively. Great communicators know how to present their ideas clearly and connect with their audience.

The first thing to do: Create an elevator pitch. Introduce yourself, explain what you do, and include an attention-grabbing fact or story. Then, end with a call to action. Here’s an example:

"Hi, I’m Anna, an expert coach focused on developing power skills that help leaders overcome their toughest challenges. (who you are and what do you)

One of my clients, a tech executive, struggled with team communication, resulting in missed deadlines and internal friction. After our coaching sessions, he transformed his leadership approach—improving team cohesion and driving a 25% increase in project efficiency. (attention-grabbing hook)

Ready to take your leadership to the next level? Let’s connect and start your transformation! (call to action)"

Actionable Exercise: Practice your elevator pitch with a colleague or friend and refine it based on their feedback.

2. Coachability and Feedback

Being open to feedback and having the ability to learn from it (known as coachability) is a critical skill, especially in environments that value continuous growth.

Practical Tip: Instead of asking, “What do I need to improve?” which can sound blunt, try asking, “Could you share two things you liked and two things you think could be improved?” This opens the door for constructive feedback in a positive way.

Actionable Exercise: After your next project, ask for specific feedback using this method and implement one piece of advice immediately.

3. Cultural Awareness

In an increasingly globalized world, understanding and respecting different cultures is a must. Cultural awareness allows you to work with diverse teams and clients more effectively.

Practical Tip: Learn about cultural nuances. For example, if you work with the US teams and clients or just relocated to the US, keep in mind that punctuality is crucial in the U.S., where meetings often start with small talk, and compliments are a big part of the culture. Mastering these subtleties can help you blend into any environment.

Actionable Exercise: Identify a few key cultural traits of the people you work with and find ways to incorporate this awareness into your interactions. Read The Culture Map to identify how different cultures work.

4. Leadership and Teamwork

Leadership isn’t just about being in charge—it’s about taking responsibility for your actions and helping your team succeed. Even if you're not in a management role, self-leadership is essential.

Practical Tip: Take ownership of your tasks, commit to lifelong learning, and develop resilience. Start by setting a new learning challenge every month to continuously grow. What challenge would that be this month?

Actionable Exercise: Identify one leadership trait you admire in someone else and practice it for a week, whether it's taking initiative or offering support to your colleagues.

Take Action: Grow Your Power Skills

Companies today are looking for candidates who not only possess technical expertise but also excel in leadership, communication, and empathy—qualities that machines can’t replicate.

Ready to dive deeper into developing these skills? Tune into the Power Skills For Success podcast where I interview thought leaders and share actionable insights. You’ll find inspiration and practical tips to power up your career and personal life. Listen and subscribe here.

If you’re serious about fast-tracking your growth, check out the Power Skills For Work course. Designed for professionals and teams, it covers everything you need to become a standout in your field. Companies, give your teams the edge they need with tailored training in power skills—enroll today at Power Skills For Work.