SOFT SKILLS, MORE IN DEMAND THAN EVER!
Selling soft skills training used to be a tough grind, but today, companies and individuals are recognizing its relevance to career longevity. According to Forbes magazine, soft skills are more in demand than ever. While hard skills once took priority, the rise of remote and autonomous work has shifted the focus. In fact, soft skills were highlighted in 78% of job postings globally over a three-month period. A McKinsey survey even found that the number of companies addressing empathy and interpersonal skills doubled in 2020.
Over the past year, I’ve been hired as an assessor for The Experience Accelerator, a Switzerland-based company offering leadership and behavioral skills training via a virtual learning platform. Their project with MBA students is incredible: The students are paired with an actor to simulate real-world buyer-supplier scenarios. This isn’t just roleplaying—it’s a deep dive into the complexities of business communication and the importance of building trust and engaging in empathy. The students prepare for the Zoom discussion with brief notes, but they have no idea how their “client” will respond. The actors are trained to challenge them, testing their skills in real-time.
As the assessor, I carefully observe and give feedback on how students engage in empathy, active listening, trust building, and several other interpersonal skills. It’s a fascinating experience that elevates soft skills training to a whole new level. Students are eager to put theory into practice but often stumble over their words along the way. For instance, when a client raises financial concerns, students sometimes freeze, looking ahead with a stony expression. This is where a simple gesture—like a nod, a tilt of the head, or saying, “I’m sorry to hear you’re facing difficulties”—would make a big difference. Seeing the empathetic body language and receiving confirmation of their situation connects the client on a subconscious level. The client feels heard, this is one of the ways to build and maintain trust. Without trust, how can a relationship between customer and company thrive? Companies are increasingly focusing on upskilling workers to meet the growing demand for social and emotional skills. So yes, showing empathy and practicing active listening are not just nice-to-haves; they’re essential for career longevity in today’s world.
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