5 reasons why Soft Skills are The Most Important Skills of the 21st century

Imagine being perfect for a job description- educational and academic success as well as technical proficiency- but not being selected for a job, or the promotion you deserve or the prestigious college you have always dreamt of going to. Been there? Would you believe me if I told you that a little bit of soft skill training could have turned the tables in your favor? Soft skills are non-technical skills that mostly fall into three categories: social skills, people skills and personal career attributes. These skills are essential and indispensable to take your personal and professional life to the next level. But if you are still on the fence about how they could help you, here are 5 reasons why soft skills are the most important skills of the 21st century.

1.  They elevate your hard kills: While being completely antithetical to hard or technical skills, soft skills help elevate and complete them. In some way, their role is analogous to that of spices in a recipe: a pinch makes perfect. Similarly, a dash of soft skills to go with your technical skills will help promote them and put them to good use, whereas they might have gotten overlooked otherwise. According to the 2017 Wall Street Journal Survey, 92% of the 900 executives involved in it said that soft skills are just as important or even more so than technical skills. 89% of them also said that they had a ‘very or somewhat difficult time’ finding people with the required soft skills. 

2.  Soft skills are transferable: In a rapidly evolving world, skills that are transferable are the most valued. Soft skills are not job specific and thus can be used by people of all professions. So, whatever your job might be, you can be the best at it with some soft skills to help you.

3.  Important in personal and professional lives alike: The massive fortunes that corporates are expending on the soft skill training of their employees is evidence enough of the important place these skills hold in the modern workplace. Soft skills like effective communication, time management, teamwork and leadership skills, are attributes that employers are looking for in potential employees. But at the same time, skills like problem solving, efficient communication and adaptability can be of equal significance in your personal journey.

4.  Soft skills for students: While soft skills are critical to professionals, they must not be overlooked by students as well. Skills like time management, critical thinking, creativity and problem solving will make you stand apart in the academic sphere and give you a competitive edge above your peers. They are also essential, keeping in mind future career prospects and opportunities awaiting you.

5.  The human touch: In a world where artificial intelligence has started to pose a threat to the livelihood of many, soft skills like emotional intelligence and creativity are one of the few skills that are not likely to be automated anytime soon. Not being jeopardized or redundant, there are chances of these attributes becoming even more valuable in the near future.

Want to learn more about soft skills?

Read our blog on the top 7 soft skills every professional should know.