What are soft skills: the new leadership trend

“In the current context, the labor market is increasingly competitive and complex. Work teams are increasingly multicultural and intergenerational, which requires leaders capable of understanding and managing the different perspectives of their collaborators. Today, we see how young people between 24 and 30 years old, who represent a large part of the workforce, tend to leave jobs if they do not find a leader with the necessary soft skills to respond to their personal and professional needs,” he explained. Beatriz Ariasfounder and director of the consultancy CoEducation Consulting.

A phenomenon within this new world of work is found in the evolution between what were considered the “hard skills” (technical skills) and “soft skills” (soft skills) that have gained unprecedented prominence. Although hard skills are essential to execute specific tasks, it is currently soft skills that are emerging as a fundamental component for the professional success of all talents, but especially in leadership positions.

The importance of soft skills has increased, especially in business leaders, where the ability to understand, communicate and relate to others is essential. Today, developing these skills has become imperative for organizations seeking to stand out and prosper in today’s job market. In that sense, specialists share what are some of the soft skills relevant to today’s leadership.

The assertive communication It is the ability to actively integrate listening to others and is crucial to building solid relationships in a team, a remarkable tool for soft skills. Also added is the ability to understand the emotions and perspectives of team members, which fosters trust and cooperation. These are considerable pieces to fostering collaboration and collaborative leadership.

“The difference between the different leaderships and the soft skills that each one requires lies in the magnitude and complexity of the responsibilities. A business leader must deal with strategic, financial and global challenges that require a broader vision and long-term decision making. In addition, he has to encourage his team to maintain energy and focus until the end of their objectives. Therefore, among the skills traditionally known as soft skills, some that fall into this category will be included: strategic vision, change management and the ability to influence multiple stakeholders,” Arias added.

soft skills

Today, contemporary business leaders face a series of global challenges ranging from environmental sustainability to cultural diversity and the technological revolution, aspects that must be overcome to lead a team. To meet the objectives, it is sought that the responsibilities include having the ability to carry out difficult decisions quickly and effectively and at the same time assume risks and respond to them. All this, maintaining a clear vision of the goals.

“The importance of soft skills for leaders is presented as a determining factor both in the management of teams and in the direction of companies, organizations and systems. These skills, which range from assertive communication and emotional management to strategic vision and the ability to adapt, are the bridge that connects individual performance and corporate viability in a business world marked by diversity, constant innovation and challenges. global. Leaders who possess these skills can not only create highly productive and motivated teams, but are also better prepared to make strategic decisions and face the changing challenges of the business landscape,” concluded the head of the Human Resources consultancy.

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