Ten Top Soft Skills You Need to Succeed Today

As Skill Survey data shows, 77% of companies think soft skills are just as important as subject-matter skills, and 67% of HR managers prefer to hire people with strong soft skills even if their hard skills aren’t as good.

Soft skills are the attributes that facilitate great communication, negotiation, networking, presentation, and business etiquette. In the age of automation and digitization, many jobs have been lost — but human skills cannot be mimicked by robots or machines, which makes them new-age power skills.

The ten skills

1. Communication — Verbal and non-verbal communication is foundational to every other soft skill. Sending messages is only one part; receiving them, listening attentively, and “hearing” what’s unspoken matter just as much. Nonverbal cues — posture, eye contact, gestures, personal space — account for as much as 70% of the information we convey. Open, honest communication is the key to better workplace relationships; our willingness to share and discuss work matters with colleagues helps build rapport.

2. Teamwork — “Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, working together is a success.” Teamwork means everyone tries to work together, using their skills and giving helpful feedback, even without personal rapport. Brainstorming lets every team member share thoughts and find new ways to complete tasks — teams find the best answers when they work together.

3. Problem Solving — Regardless of your role, problem-solving is part of the job. Effective problem-solving involves identifying the root cause, evaluating individually and with the team, discussing solutions, implementing them, and re-evaluating the results.

4. Time Management — We all have the same hours in a day, so why do some people get so much more done? Time management is about scheduling and deciding priorities — determining which task matters most for the day and the coming week, and slotting it in accordingly. This matters even more in group settings, where mismatched priorities lead to miscommunication and conflict.

5. Attitude and Work Ethic — How you deal with people — colleagues, seniors, subordinates, stakeholders, clients — counts tremendously. A positive attitude and strong work ethic come from aligning your personal and professional goals, and connecting your daily duties to the bigger picture.

6. Adaptability / Flexibility — Being rigid is the last thing employers expect today. In fast-paced, ever-evolving work environments, people look for those who are multi-talented and can adapt quickly. Flexibility has two aspects — with work, and with people — and both matter equally.

7. Self-Confidence — How you speak, carry yourself, dress, and perform is a mark of your confidence. Self-confidence is a state of self-belief that pushes you toward things that would otherwise intimidate you. In a competitive workplace, it’s a real advantage.

8. Ability to Learn from Criticism — Nobody enjoys criticism, but learning from it is essential for growth. Taking criticism well is one of the most important aspects of self-confidence — it also shows respect for other people’s opinions and commitment to your own development.

9. Networking — Organizations exist to grow, and growth is directly tied to making connections. Networking today is more than a buzzword or connecting online — it’s about establishing relationships that benefit both parties, so you can grow and learn from each other.

10. Self and Social Awareness — Working professionals, however competent, are social beings. Knowing your own competencies matters, but so does being aware of your surroundings. Staying current on trends, technology, and industry insight tends to show up as innovation and maturity in your work.

We hope this helps you identify the skills worth investing in as you prepare for the work-world of tomorrow.