What are soft skills? Types and examples for professional development

Vocational training, work experience and certification in technical skills are the key elements that transform an ordinary employee into a highly qualified professional. However, even if a person can perform their job perfectly and without errors on a technical level, they also need to develop other skills such as teamwork, effective communication, and conflict resolution. These social skills are known collectively as soft skills.

With automation and artificial intelligence fast becoming an inevitable reality,  soft skills are now more essential than ever before for modern companies. Professionals who know how to communicate, manage others and lead projects are of vital importance, as they need to be able to delegate the most repetitive operational tasks to machines and intelligent technologies.

So, in this guide we want to walk you through the most important soft skills for business success, exploring their importance, their fundamental differences when compared to technical skills, and finally sharing some examples. Let’s get started!

What are soft skills?

Soft skills can be defined as a combination of social, problem-solving, emotional and behavioral skills that allow one to effectively interact with others. They are skills that do not relate directly to technical knowledge, but instead to the way in which a person behaves and connects to their environment.

The importance of soft skills in the professional environment

According to McKinsey, “These emotional skills are becoming increasingly important as intelligent machines take over more physical, repetitive and basic cognitive tasks.”

You’ve probably had the experience of receiving job offers that demanded specific soft skills in order to fill them. These competencies are decisive when it comes to performing to a high professional level within a company, whether working as part of a team or leading it.

Although technical knowledge and technological skills are also important, this hard knowledge requires the support of emotional skills in order to help solve problems, carry out successful projects or come up with innovative ideas. As we can see, soft skills act as a vital link between knowledge and execution.

Why are soft skills necessary in the workplace?

It’s fair to say that the performance of any employee in an organization will generally depend on the successful and timely execution of their duties. But what other aspects of work make soft skills so useful for modern companies? Let’s take a look at the benefits of developing these skills in the workplace:

• They improve internal communication: Soft skills allow teams to communicate clearly and effectively, avoiding misunderstandings and strengthening a sense of collaboration.
• They help resolve conflicts: These skills help employees manage and resolve disagreements constructively, maintaining a harmonious work environment.
• They build adaptability to change: In a constantly evolving business environment, soft skills such as flexibility and the ability to learn efficiently allow employees to rapidly adjust to new circumstances.
• They foster the ability to lead and motivate: These skills enhance a professional’s ability to influence others positively, inspire their teammates, and promote a work environment where everyone feels motivated and in line with the organization’s goals.
• They promote more efficient collaboration: Soft skills help to build a collaborative environment where each team member can contribute their own expertise as well as rely on others in pursuit of common goals.
• They improve productivity: These skills help employees to prioritize tasks, manage their time effectively, and maintain a proper professional balance, positively impacting overall performance.

So, are soft skills a complement or a necessity?

In the context of the modern workplace, the question of whether soft skills are merely a complement or a necessity is a valuable one. Let’s examine it by way of an example.

Imagine for a moment a team of professionals tasked with implementing a new digital learning platform. The team is made up of experts in technology, programmers and instructional designers, all equipped with cutting-edge technological tools, but they cannot seem to move the project forward. So what’s the problem here?

Although they have the required technical skills, they are unable to adequately explain the benefits of this new platform to the other departments, leaving them with an unfortunate lack of support. They also face resistance to change from a specific set of employees and managers, and, what’s more, they lack effective leadership to help them meet their objectives on time..

This example illustrates the vital importance of soft skills, and demonstrates that they can no longer be viewed as a mere complement. Technical experience alone is not enough to guarantee professional success – soft skills, such as effective communication, adaptability to change and good leadership are essential for team cohesion, the adoption of new technologies and the achievement of business objectives.

Key differences between soft skills and hard skills 

So far, we’ve established that both soft skills and hard or technical skills are important, not only due to their individual value but also because they complement each other, allowing professionals to achieve more comprehensive success. Now let’s examine the fundamental differences between these two types of skills: 

Aspect	Hard Skills	Soft Skills
Definition	Technical competencies and specific, detailed knowledge acquired through formal education, vocational training or work experience.	Personal and social skills related to communication, interaction  and behavioral self-management.
Measurement	Easily quantifiable and measurable through tests, exams or specific job roles.	Difficult to measure objectively, they are improved through personal experience and development.
Examples	Programming; database management; knowledge of anatomy for a doctor; calculation; accounting; the operation of specific machinery etc.	Effective communication; teamwork; empathy; adaptability; leadership; problem solving etc.

Through this comparison we can see that the main difference between soft skills and hard skills lies in their nature and the way they are applied. While hard skills are quantifiable and relate to specific professions or tasks, soft skills are more focused on inherent human qualities, and can be used in different walks of life, including the professional.

Another big difference lies in the way the two types of skills are acquired. Although there are programs or courses that aim to develop soft skills, they are generally picked up through experience and social interaction. Hard skills, on the other hand, are obtained through precise academic training and practice.

The aim of the two skill types is another big differentiator. Soft skills seek to improve the way people behave and connect to their environment. Hard skills, on the other hand, seek to improve a person’s skills to perform a specific task..

Examples of soft skills versus hard skills 

Below, let’s take a look at 4 different examples of tasks that need to be performed, comparing the soft and hard skills that apply to each case:

Task to perform	Hard Skills	Soft Skills
Create an email marketing flow	Knowledge of email marketing platforms, persuasive writing ability, analysis of campaign data.	Creativity to write attractive content, ability to empathize with the audience, time management.
Design a website	Mastery of design tools (Adobe XD, Figma), knowledge of HTML/CSS, understanding of web usability.	Attention to detail, communication skills to understand the client’s needs, adaptability to design changes.
Manage a project	Project planning, use of management software (Trello, Asana), budget management.	Leadership, negotiation skills, problem solving, ability to motivate the team.
Design and carry out an executive presentation	Creating visually appealing slides (PowerPoint, Canva), data management to support arguments.	Public speaking ability, confidence when addressing others, active listening to provide answers to questions and feedback.

In all the examples above, it’s clear that both types of skills complement each other, resulting in well-rounded professionals prepared to face any challenge – and likely to achieve professional success.

Types of soft skills and abilities

There are many different soft skills, and developing each of them provides its own competitive advantage. However, there are also different types of soft skills. Categorizing them helps to understand them better, so let’s take a look at each type of skill, its purpose, and how it can influence the professional field:

Interpersonal skills

These skills are key to establishing and maintaining strong relationships with other people. They include effective communication, empathy, the ability to work cohesively as a team and conflict resolution. In general, they are necessary to create a collaborative and harmonious work environment, facilitating closer cooperation and mutual understanding, both between colleagues and with clients.

Executive skills

Executive skills focus more on task management and decision making. They involve planning, organization, the ability to prioritize and the ability to think strategically in pursuit of objectives. These skills are especially valuable for leaders and managers who need to coordinate teams and projects effectively.

Reflexive skills

Reflexive skills relate to self-reflection and continuous learning. They include the ability to analyze one’s own actions and decisions, learn from mistakes, and adapt to new situations or knowledge. These skills allow professionals to autonomously  evaluate and improve their performance, becoming more aware of their strengths and potential weaknesses.

Attitude skills

As the name implies, attitude skills are related to a person’s attitude, mindset, and disposition toward work and challenges. Examples of these skills include proactivity, resilience, optimism, and a strong work ethic. Having a positive and resilient attitude helps employees stay motivated, and face difficult situations with determination and energy.

Organizational skills

Finally, these types of skills relate to the ability to manage and coordinate tasks effectively. They include time management, planning, attention to detail, and priority setting. Organizational skills are not only essential for managers and leaders, but for any professional seeking to maximize their productivity and ensure that they work in an orderly manner according to established deadlines.

Examples of the most in-demand soft skills in the workplace

Now, let’s delve a little deeper into the soft skills we’ve just broken down into different types. Let’s explore some of the most in-demand skills, along with practical examples of how they can be applied and developed:

Adaptability

Adaptability is defined as the ability to quickly adjust to new situations, challenges and professional environments. Needless to say, in today’s working world, adaptability is vital to staying relevant.

Practical examples of adaptability in the workplace

• Quickly adjusting to the implementation of new management software in the company, learning and mastering its operation in a short time.
• Embracing a change of role or project without losing motivation, and finding ways to contribute effectively from that new position.
• Working efficiently in multicultural teams, appropriately adapting one’s expectations and forms of communication to ensure smooth collaboration.

Critical thinking

Critical thinking involves objectively analyzing information and making informed judgments – an essential part of making strategic decisions. A professional with critical thinking ability can offer valuable insights and make informed decisions.

Practical examples of critical thinking in the workplace

• Evaluating different providers of a service before making a final choice, taking into account factors such as cost, quality, and reputation.
• Analyzing a sales report to detect any patterns or anomalies, and proposing strategies based on concrete data.
• Developing innovative solutions to a technical problem, by weighing the pros and cons before implementing any action.

Effective communication

Effective communication not only involves speaking clearly, but also listening to and understanding others in a bid to promote mutual understanding.

Practical examples of how to improve communication

• Organizing team meetings where all members have the opportunity to express their ideas and concerns, which fosters a respectful environment.
• Using visual tools in presentations to make messages clearer and more understandable for the audience.
• Practicing active listening during conversations, and using clarifying questions to ensure you correctly understand what is being said.

Leadership

As we mentioned before, leadership matters not only for managers, but for any employee who wants to inspire and motivate others.

Examples of leadership development

• Assuming the role of a project leader, coordinating tasks and ensuring that all team members are working towards a common goal.
• Mentoring a newer coworker, sharing knowledge and experience and helping them develop in their role.
• Launching initiatives to improve work processes, motivating others to adopt new, more efficient ways of working.

Problem solving

The ability to solve problems involves rapidly identifying a challenge, coming up with possible solutions, and acting efficiently on them.

Practical examples of problem solving in the workplace

• Designing a strategy to resolve conflicts between teammates, mediating to find a solution that benefits everyone.
• Identifying bottlenecks within a production process, and proposing adjustments to optimize the workflow.
• Implementing technological solutions to automate repetitive tasks, thereby improving team productivity.

Teamwork

Teamwork requires the ability to collaborate effectively with others in pursuit of a common goal. If employees on a project cannot collaborate with each other, or a leader fails to delegate, it will be more difficult to hit goals on time.

Practical examples of teamwork

• Participating in a group project while respecting the opinions of others and contributing constructive ideas.
• Helping a colleague with a difficult task, demonstrating team solidarity and commitment to group goals.
• Celebrating group achievements and recognizing the work of others, reinforcing a spirit of community and support.

Emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence is the capacity to identify and manage one’s own emotions, as well as understand those of others.

Practical examples of emotional intelligence in the workplace

• Remaining calm and professional during stressful situations, such as when dealing with an angry customer or a tight deadline.
• Practicing empathy by listening to a colleague’s problems, and offering support without judgment.
• Reflecting on one’s own emotional reactions and finding ways to shape or improve them for more productive interactions.

How to develop soft skills in your team

Now you know what they look like, you’ve seen examples, and you understand the impact that soft skills can have on employee development. So the question is, “is there a specific way to develop my team’s soft skills?”

Yes, there are several different ways to go about developing your team’s soft skills, and below we offer 4 ways to do so:

1. Promote a corporate culture that nurtures soft skills development

As mentioned, soft skills are developed through interaction and experience with the environment. If a company practices a leadership style that values teamwork and fosters communication through daily example, these values will be naturally transmitted throughout the organization.

2. Offer mentoring that provides fundamental changes in behavior

Mentoring is a traditional learning method that never goes out of style because it is a very human way of guiding professionals in their daily tasks. It offers the ideal opportunity to develop communication skills; promote collaboration, empathy, and adaptation to change.

3. Integrate activities that promote soft skills development into the workflow

We know that practice is the best way to learn; the same is true with soft skills. Offering opportunities for your employees to practice their soft skills at work is very simple if you assign team projects to promote communication, problem-solving, and creative thinking.

4. Offer corporate training programs focused on soft skills development

Developing soft skills in your team is necessary and possible through training programs for teamwork, creative thinking, or leadership skills. An excellent soft skills training program helps you identify the training needs of your staff, select the most appropriate methodology, and establish clear and achievable goals. 

Training trends for soft skills development

Now that we’ve identified the value and importance of developing soft skills, it’s time to get down to some hard work and start promoting it within our teams. However, keep in mind that in today’s digital world, content consumption patterns have changed drastically. Today, short, interactive learning formats that are available anytime are more highly valued.

The latest generations are used to having access to information on demand, and value the use of innovative technologies for their professional development. Therefore, soft skills training should respond to these expectations, taking advantage of methodologies that are accessible, dynamic and personalized to maintain engagement and the effectiveness in learning. Next up, we share 6 key trends for developing soft skills in your team:

Soft Skills on Demand: More autonomy and ease

For a soft skills program to be successful, it is essential to understand the audience your training plan is targeting, their habits, and their demands. For the new generations of professionals, accustomed to the immediacy of the Internet, traditional training (structured and regulated) is no longer an option. However, these users very positively welcome 100% digital and on-demand training.

Thus, the future of soft skills lies in modifying traditional methodologies to new training plans that adapt based on the different profiles of professionals. A new type of training where employees can decide which course to take, when to take it, and where to take it. 

Microlearning 

Microlearning offers short doses of content for students to study at their convenience. It is surprisingly effective for the development of soft skills, thanks to its concise format and this type of content is faster to produce than a traditional e-learning course. 

Blended learning 

Blended learning is a type of learning that combines distance and face-to-face learning with the aim of achieving a more dynamic and efficient experience. This model provides flexibility and makes it easier to watch videos and recorded lectures, study reading material online and even participate in online discussions through social features. 

Gamification 

Gamification helps transform educational material into exciting and entertaining content. The rewards that are usually used in games such as reinforcement, also become a key motivator for many learners. 

Personalized learning

In the world of training, personalization is becoming an increasingly significant trend. New technologies allow training content to be adapted to the individual needs and preferences of each employee, maximizing the effectiveness of learning.

New formats: podcasts as a learning tool

In an increasingly fast-paced modern world, and a professional environment that demands a high level of flexibility, various new content formats are gaining ground. Amongst these, the podcast has established itself as one of the most popular and effective for the development of soft skills. Podcasts allow employees to consume content at their convenience, without needing to be in front of a screen the whole time. In addition, they make it possible to learn about leadership, teamwork, communication and other soft skills while performing routine daily tasks such as commuting. They can even be used during employees’ free time, making them a format that not only fits into the listener’s learning pace and schedule, but also encourages a more informal learning experience. 

From soft skills to power skills: The soft skills revolution

For years, soft skills have been seen simply as a ‘nice-to-have’ option, or a way of supplementing hard skills without being valued at the same level as them. However, today, these skills have earned themselves a new status, and a name that does them much more justice: power skills. And this change isn’t merely a fad – it’s proof of just how essential they’ve become in the modern working world.

But why ‘power’ skills? Because, in an increasingly digital and automated world, it’s precisely these skills that make individual employees truly valuable. Whilst it’s true that technology can handle many low-level technical tasks, soft skills such as adaptability to change, leadership, complex problem solving and clear communication have become the real differentiator for employees. These skills are now essential to excel in the workplace, build relationships, and even maintain a solid and motivated team.

Power skills are, in fact, the driving force of resilience and innovation in any good professional team. And companies that choose to develop them in their employees are better prepared for any sudden changes or challenges that come their way. So, if you thought soft skills were merely a detail, it’s time to see them for what they really are: the superpower that makes a company, and each one of us, truly stand out.

Meet isEazy Skills, the catalog of Power Skills courses you’ve been looking for

Developing power skills in your team is not just an investment in interpersonal relationships, but also in the success of your whole organization. As we’ve seen throughout this article, these skills not only improve productivity, but also enhance talent retention, allowing your team to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing business world.

It’s crucial for leaders to recognize the importance of these skills and encourage their development within their teams. Ultimately, the success of your organization will depend not only on what your team knows how to do but also, critically, on how they relate to each other and work together.If you want to train your professionals in power skills, you need an innovative and personalized solution. And here at isEazy Skills, that’s exactly what we offer! Our course catalog is expertly designed, packed with the latest digital learning techniques and dynamic e-learning content to provide an effective and unique learning experience. So what are you waiting for? Request your demo today!