Soft Skills Are the New Hard Skills for Leaders

This episode, Karen Gately talks with communication expert Leah Mether. Leah is a specialist in communication and human skills, a seasoned speaker, trainer, facilitator and published author.

Leah's first book is “Soft is the New Hard: How to Communicate Effectively Under Pressure”. The discussion challenges the traditional view of soft skills being secondary to technical expertise. Mether argues that in today's dynamic workplace, soft skills – like communication, leadership, adaptability, emotional intelligence, and collaboration – are becoming the new "hard skills" essential for leaders. 

The Rise of Soft Skills

• Historically, technical proficiency held more weight, but the evolving work landscape and personnel demands a different approach. 

• Technology continues to automate many tasks, making human interaction and collaboration even more critical.  

Traditionally, technical expertise was often seen as the key driver of success. However, with rapid technological advancements, technical skills can become outdated quickly. Soft skills, on the other hand, provide a foundation for long-term adaptability and effectiveness. 

There are several key soft skills that define successful leadership

• Communication: Expressing ideas clearly, actively listening, and providing constructive feedback are fundamental for building trust and fostering collaboration. 

• Leadership: Motivating and inspiring teams, fostering a positive work environment, and delegating effectively require strong leadership skills. 

• Adaptability: The ability to embrace change, learn new things, and adjust to unforeseen circumstances is vital in a constantly evolving environment. 

• Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and managing your own emotions, as well as recognizing and responding to the emotions of others, is crucial for building strong relationships and navigating complex situations. 

• Collaboration: Working effectively with others, fostering teamwork, and leveraging diverse perspectives are essential for achieving success in today's interconnected world. 

Why Soft Skills are the New Currency 

While technical skills remain important, the increasing pace of technological change creates a demand for leaders who can navigate complexity, build strong teams, and foster innovation. Soft skills equip leaders to: 

• Bridge the Gap: Effectively communicate ideas and strategies across diverse teams and stakeholders. 

• Lead with Emotional Intelligence: Motivate and inspire teams, build trust, and manage conflict constructively. 

• Embrace Change: Adapt to evolving situations, think creatively, and solve problems collaboratively. 

Developing Your Soft Skills Arsenal 

The good news is soft skills, unlike some technical proficiencies, are not set in stone. The episode explores ways leaders can hone their soft skills: 

• Self-Awareness is Key: Understanding your strengths, weaknesses, and emotional triggers forms the foundation for improvement. 

• Embrace Feedback: Actively seek constructive criticism from colleagues and mentors to identify areas for growth. 

• Continuous Learning: Podcasts like "Work Savvy," dedicated books and courses on soft skills development, can provide valuable insights and strategies. 

• Practice Makes Perfect: Consciously implement soft skills in daily interactions, seeking opportunities to improve communication, collaboration, and leadership. 

• Lead by Example: Leaders who model strong soft skills set the tone for their teams, fostering a culture of effective communication, collaboration, and emotional intelligence. 

• Active Listening: Truly pay attention to what others are saying, both verbally and nonverbally. 

Investing in Soft Skills Pays Off 

By prioritizing soft skills development, leaders can create a competitive advantage in today's workplace. It is important for leaders to exemplify these soft skills. Strong soft skills empower leaders to build successful teams, navigate change, and ultimately achieve organizational goals. Soft skills provide a foundation for long-term adaptability and effectiveness. Team members learn and develop by observing their leader's behavior. When leaders prioritize soft skills, it creates a ripple effect throughout the organization.

You can listen to the full podcast here.