The Importance Of Soft Skills In A Post-Pandemic World

During the pandemic we saw increased community support and large acts of kindness. As firms drive their performance many businesses focus on “how” results are achieved in parallel to “what” is achieved. The “how” are the soft skills, such as kindness, empathy, resilience, ethical behaviour, and other positive character traits. As we move forward, these skills should no longer be viewed as “soft skills” and more like “essential skills”.

Hiring managers deem essential skills, as important as technical skills, if you want to develop yours the process starts with self-awareness and the knowledge of how you are perceived by others. 

Why are essential skills important?

Within the business world, kindness supports a culture in which people feel valued and respected, and if you feel valued and respected you are more likely to contribute more, as you feel confident to share new ideas and solutions, and your general commitment to work is higher.

How to be kind…

• Avoid knee-jerk reactions.
• Take responsibility and apologise.
• Commit to improving on kindness.

Empathy allows us to identify with others and the problems they face. Empathy takes on greater meaning today as the pandemic continues to impact people’s physical, and mental health and their economic well-being.

Developing empathy…

• Experience the major differences among people.
• Learn to identify your own feelings – develop your emotional intelligence.
• Regularly ask others for their perspectives and/or feelings regarding a situation.

Over the last year many people and businesses have shown high resilience levels. A resilient workforce benefits business, people are more motivated, capable of dealing with change, and less susceptible to burnout. It also improves employees’ overall health, as resilience and wellbeing in the workplace are closely linked.

Building your resilience…

• Learn to relax.
• Practice thought awareness.
• Learn from your mistakes and failures.
• Maintain perspective.
• Build your self-confidence.
• Develop strong relationships and networks.
• Be flexible.

Business leaders are preparing for a future where there will be a greater need for an array of skills – both technical know-how and the essential skills will be required to determine their business success.

At the Danos Group we recognise great talent. We provide the best recruitment solutions for our clients, and we support and guide our talented candidates.

If you would like information on the current market, please contact our functional or regional experts for a confidential discussion.