Making the Hard Case for Soft Skills

Dushaw Hockett

The discussion came up again during an Aug. 28 webinar — Beyond the Blueprint: Advancing in the Industry — sponsored by the SMACNA and SMART RISE committees (Representation, Integrity, Support and Empowerment).  This article seeks to make a hard case for the importance of soft skills and the idea that soft skills are a key ingredient for building a strong and respectful workplace culture.  

Soft skills, also known as “people skills” or “interpersonal skills,” are foundational skills that allow us to build a respectful and collaborative work environment. We aren’t born with these skills, but we can build them over time.

Monique Danao wrote in a recent Forbes Business article that “In today’s fast-paced world, success in the workplace requires more than just technical expertise and knowledge.” Danao recommends working on these eleven soft skills to set yourself apart in the workplace, and lead to long-term success:

1. Communication
   • Active listening 
   •  Presentation skills 
   • Verbal and nonverbal communication 
2. Leadership
   • Coaching and mentoring
   •  Management
3. Teamwork
   • Accountability
   • Collaboration
4. Creativity
   • Brainstorming
   • Curiosity
   • Experimentation
5. Time management
   • Planning
   • Goal setting
   • Delegation
6. Adaptability
   • Flexibility
   • Growth mindset
7. Problem-solving
   • Strategic thinking
   • Analysis
8. Work ethnic
   • Punctuality
   • Professionalism
9. Critical thinking
   • Evaluation
   • Deductive reasoning
10. Conflict management
    • Mediation
    • Conflict resolution
11. Emotional intelligence
    • Self-awareness
    • Empathy
    • Social skills

Rebecca Knight wrote in an article for the Harvard Business Review that “soft skills are essential, even in the digital age.”

Knight quoted a recent LinkedIn survey that said 72% of U.S. executives place more value on soft skills than AI-related skills, and that organizations that prioritize the development of soft skills see greater productivity and better employee performance.

How do we develop our soft skills? Knight suggests that we think about our own strengths and weaknesses and ask friends for their honest opinions. To enhance your soft skills, create a development plan that includes activities that stretch and engage different parts of your personality. Practice active listening and demonstrate that you care about the people you work with. And don’t be afraid to seek feedback, so we avoid missed opportunities for improvement. 

For more information on this initiative and for Culture of Respect Toolbox Talks, visit www.smacna.org.