“Soft Skills” Lead to Success
Given the significant financial and time commitments students face when pursuing higher education, it is no wonder they (and often their parents) ask pointed questions about job placement when considering what college to choose. Instead of asking: “What will I learn?” students who are facing student loan debt often ask “How much will I earn?” A focus on hard skills, such as math, science and technology, however, should not be at the cost of “soft skills,” such as effective speaking, writing and listening. In over thirty plus years of university teaching, and communication coaching, what I know for sure is that the soft skills are often the hard ones to master, and the skills that lead to personal and professional success.
One of the main reasons that soft communication skills are often considered challenging is because they involve navigating nuances, empathy, and understanding emotions, making them more complex than technical or “hard” skills. One of my favorite reminders to students (especially those questioning the value of the required communication course they are in) is that smart is not enough. The prominent Greek statesman and orator Demosthenes wished that we could all “see ourselves as others do.” Having a keen grasp of soft skills shows that we at least have more insight than most when it comes to seeing a situation in an objective way and communicating effectively. For leaders this is crucial. Executive coaching can help improve communication and how your organizational members feel, which is pivotal for cultural wellness and the overall morale and reputation of your institution.
