SOFT SKILLS ARE KEY TO GOOD MANAGEMENT AND BUSINESS SUCCESS
There’s a major trend shaking the global job market: people are leaving their jobs like never before. And this ongoing economic trend, dubbed the “Major Resignation”, is also referred to as the “Great Reshuffle” for a very simple reason: the underlying motivation is that the priorities of employees have changed.
Employees now seek companies that value soft skills, and that provide soft skills training for their teams.
The role soft skills play in your career
Research shows that more than 85% of a person’s professional success is staked on the soft skills they have mastered. On top of that, the number of occupations that are soft-skill dominant are expected to more than double in the coming years. Why is this?
The fast advances in technology deeply affect every industry, and businesses must constantly adapt and keep up in order to stay competitive. And the most significant impact from these changes is that technical skills are less and less needed: it’s the most “human” of skills that make the biggest difference now.
Artificial intelligence can complete calculations, translations and even cover writing and graphic design needs, but a machine can’t yet make a fully informed decision, transmit information efficiently to different audiences, improve teamwork or foster a great company culture. And these are precisely the soft skills most in demand.
Managers often struggle to develop soft skills in the workplace
The education system is rigged towards technical or “hard” skill, and entry-level professionals often come into the market without having honed their soft skills. In addition, some soft skills are best practiced in the workplace: it’s hard to become a good leader without a team to lead towards success!
Managers that factor in the human aspect and can successfully lead are in high demand from both employees and employers. On top of that, in the digital era, workplaces are becoming increasingly international environments, making cultural sensitivity and social finesse more critical.
Why do businesses champion soft skills training?
Businesses are estimated to spend $4 billion on training every year, and, increasingly, towards soft skills training for their employees and managers. Because soft skill aptitude doesn’t happen by spontaneous generation, employees and, especially, managers, often need extra support and training to hone their soft skills.
Soft skills training is a major asset for several reasons: in the thick of the Great Reshuffle, companies that provide soft skills training are highly esteemed, and can ensure both high talent retention and high interest from prospective job-seekers.
In addition, soft skills training has been proven to improve business; in every aspect, from team efficiency and happiness, to employee growth and advancement, sponsored training statistically more than doubles a business’ productivity and long term results.
The top trends in soft skills training
Soft skills training comes in many different shapes and forms: historically, big businesses have supported team-making activities and retreats, as well as personalized support and mentoring for more social skills, and even abilities like strategic thinking.
Training can be organized and provided by the company itself. However, external specialists that train teams in particular areas have always been a staple for companies that support their employees. Expert advice from elite professionals and companies, masters that dominate their field and know their stuff, is often the best and most rewarding option.
It is widely known in the industry that companies that are leaders in their field, like Google, Amazon, or Microsoft not only value soft skills more than technical skills, but take an active part in training their own managers, investing in soft skills training from the start of their career within the company. The lesson is simple: if you want highly skilled employees, train them!
Soft skills courses are the choice solution for companies
In the 21st century, the internet is the standard for accessible, flexible training solutions. And not just for technical skills: soft skills courses are the most demanded, as they are the most customizable and cost-effective way to train soft skills in the workplace.
It is often believed that some soft skills are innate. However, this simply isn’t true: all soft skills are teachable. With their tailored training materials and proper mentoring from the top experts, soft skills courses sponsored by companies can educate managers in every area, from coaching to assertiveness in the workplace. Even leadership skills can be taught with courses!
In the competitive landscape of business, companies have to stay current and train their employees and managers to achieve their best possible performance, and soft skills are quickly becoming the most relevant need. Tools like soft skills courses aren’t a mere option anymore: they are a must.
