WHAT ARE “SOFT

SKILLS” AND WHY

ARE THEY SO
IMPORTANT?
DEFINITION

“Personal attributes
that enable someone
to interact effectively
and harmoniously
with other people”
Oxford Languages

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

It’s always been important

to work on these attributes,
but the skills-shortage crisis
means that employers are
valuing them more than
ever. But what are they?

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COMMUNICATION &
INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

This skillset refers to

your ability to connect
with others, not just
within your immediate
team, but with junior and
senior colleagues, too.
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ABILITY TO
ADOPT CHANGE

In any job, or life situation,

change is inevitable. This
particular skillset refers to
how well you can deal with
that change, implement it
in your work and cope.
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FLEXIBILITY AND
ADAPTABILITY

Deadlines, locations,
deliverables... all these,
plus many others, can
shift at the last minute.
Taking them in your stride
is key for career success.
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PROBLEM SOLVING

Identifying issues is one

thing, coming up with ideas
for solutions is another
thing entirely. Employers
value those who can
connect the dots and
suggest potential fixes.
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ABILITY TO LEARN

This skillset refers to an

employee’s ability to pick
up new skills, be open to
new ways of doing things
and have the desire to
widen their understanding.

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COORDINATING
WITH OTHERS

Projects often involve

working with a variety of
different departments,
teams and individuals.
Those who can do this with
ease are in high demand.
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CRITICAL THINKING

This refers to the ability

to evaluate and analyse
a situation, then form a
judgement and decision,
while being mindful of
the variable outcomes.

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JUDGEMENT AND
DECISION-MAKING

This skillset involves

looking at all the individual
pieces of a project or
situation and choosing
the optimal route to
success with confidence.
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PEOPLE MANAGEMENT

The ability to hire, develop

and lead professionals so
that they align with the
goals of yourself as a
manager, your team and
the wider organisation.

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WHICH OF THESE
SOFT SKILLS
WOULD YOU LIKE
TO DEVELOP
FURTHER?