Building a Strong Foundation: The Power of Soft Skills in HR
We often hear about the importance of soft skills when working in HR. In my younger years, I was sceptical. At the back of my mind, “soft skills” seemed to imply being good at making friends, having an enjoyable hobby, and knowing when to laugh politely during chance conversations with strangers.
But I have come around 180 degrees. I now see them as essential not only for being successful in the HR field, but also in any field that involves knowledge work and human interaction.
So what exactly are “soft skills”?
Soft skills are the interpersonal and emotional abilities that enable individuals to communicate effectively, collaborate with others, and establish trust. They include qualities like empathy, active listening, adaptability, and sound judgment. They are skills that shape how we relate to and influence those around us. Unlike technical skills, soft skills are more complex to quantify but are observable.
Communication and empathy are the most visible of these, and rightly so. But there are quieter forces at play: the discretion to hold a colleague’s confidence, the patience to sit with discomfort, the intuition to read between the lines. These abilities, like technical skills, can evolve over time and can be developed.
I’m reminded of a story about Richard Branson. During a flight disruption, rather than retreat behind process and protocol, he applied his own human-centered intuition to connect with the frustrated, confused, and tired passengers on a personal level. He listened. He ordered ice cream. He turned inconvenience into connection. It is Sir Branson’s powerful ability to mix business savvy with his knack for relating to people on their own level that has made him so wildly successful.
As AI and automation reshape our workplaces, it’s easy to believe that what we need most is speed or efficiency. But in truth, what we need is humanity. Machines may take on routine tasks, but it is still people who build trust, hold space, and move organizations forward.
I have come to be mindful about how I nurture my own internalized collection of these soft skills, to be the best person I can be for the good of my family, my company, and for society as a whole. I am far from perfect, and I make mistakes, but the intention is there.
So like Sir Branson, let’s not lose sight of what truly sustains us, not only as professionals, but as people.
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