You can boost your career growth with power of soft skills

Your journey to success isn't just about how skilled you are at your job. It is also about the softer, more human skills that make a difference in your professional growth.

Soft skills, those things that aren't about the technical side of your work but more about how you handle yourself and others, are like the secret weapons of the workplace. 

The contemporary workplace requires you to have a complex blend of technical acumen, known as "hard skills" and intangible attributes – the often-neglected "soft skills." 

Kelli Hall, the head of recruiting at Enova International, puts it plainly: "For many employers, soft skills are just as important as hard skills. This is because success in the workplace often requires more than the technical ability to do the job. Soft skills are what make the difference."

A recent report from Springboard for Business gives us a peek into the soft skills that companies are really looking for right now. At the very top of the list is strategic thinking. More than half of leaders, 57% to be exact, are saying their companies need more people who can think strategically. 

Chris Duchesne, the general manager at Springboard for Business, points out, "With the economy in a state of flux, critical thinking is essential in this pivot-or-perish environment where businesses must be strategic and adapt quickly to remain competitive."

The report also mentions the need for problem-solving (49%) and good communication skills (46%). Emotional intelligence and being good at working with others round out the list.

As we hear more and more about how quickly technology is changing, it's interesting to note that 79% of leaders think technical skills only last about five years or less. This is where soft skills become even more important. 

Duchesne explains, "Soft skills are even more essential for adapting and navigating new challenges as AI continues to dramatically change every industry. These competencies cannot be outsourced to AI in the same way that technical skills can. They are also key leadership skills applicable in every function and at every level."

So, if you're on the lookout for a job, it's time to pay attention to your soft skills. When employers have a mountain of resumes to go through, making sure your soft skills stand out can be a game-changer. Use words like "facilitated," "presented," "negotiated," and "implemented" to show off your soft skills on your resume.

When it comes to interviews, soft skills can set you apart from the crowd. Duchesne suggests talking about your past experiences to highlight your critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Why does all this matter for companies? 

Well, employees who have a good command of these soft skills not only do well themselves but also lift up their teams and the whole organization. 

Duchesne explains, "They become catalysts for innovation, efficiency, and growth. The consistent outperformance of such employees highlights a clear correlation between soft skills proficiency and professional success."

In a world where things keep changing, the demand for soft skills remains constant. So, as you navigate your professional journey, remember that having a balance of hard skills and soft skills is like having the perfect compass to steer your ship towards success.