The top 10 most sought-after soft skills

Simply put, soft skills are the skills that allow us to interact well with the world around us. The beauty of soft skills is that they are transferable skills. Knowing how to communicate, collaborate or learn well is useful regardless of the organization, the sector, or the position held.

Every year, we support many organizations (large and small!) in their skills development strategies, and over time, we have acquired a certain amount of data on the most sought-after soft skills. Without further ado, here are the top 10 soft skills that have been most frequently requested of us.

1. Communication

Communication is not just sending a message or contacting a colleague with a question. We communicate every day, but are we doing it the right way? Make no mistake about it! Mastering communication is an art.

The good news? When it comes to communication, small adjustments often have a big impact.

2. Change management

The only constant… is change! While we understand this in theory, in practice, change is uncomfortable, generates uncertainty (and therefore stress), and is rarely welcomed with open arms. But it is possible to learn how to manage and welcome change to make transitions smoother.

3. Collaboration

Good collaboration is important for good teamwork. Better collaboration is about communicating authentically, driving engagement, activating creativity, and generating effective problem-solving mechanisms. In doing so, it is not only the teams that benefit but the entire organization!

4. Coaching

What if you and your colleagues could develop your professional skills on an ongoing basis, without having to participate in one-off training sessions every few months? What if, in addition, each of you could work on the specific skills you want? And, finally, what if you could help each other in your respective learning processes? This is what coaching allows when it is practiced regularly within an organization!

5. Excelling as a team

You can’t talk about performance without talking about excelling as a team. Do you know the saying? Alone, we go faster. Together, we go further! When this skill is mastered collectively, the actions of each person reveal the true potential of the team.

6. Feedback

Do you remember the last time you received constructive feedback?  While some may feel uncomfortable giving or receiving it, it is actually a powerful development gas pedal. By maximizing the potential of each individual, feedback allows us to become better versions of ourselves and to propel work teams to new heights!

7. Recognition

When it comes to recognition at work, some people think about the next pay raise, the annual gala or the bonus that will soon be paid. However, a lasting sense of recognition is best conveyed through non-monetary, ongoing recognition.

8. Kindness

Kindness, the willingness to do good for others without expecting anything in return, is an ability we can all cultivate.

Being kind at work has long been perceived as a barrier to career advancement. Yet, it has been shown that the most successful teams demonstrate kindness and friendliness.

9. Trust

To reconcile performance and wellbeing at work, we must first know how to build trust, because it is the basis of healthy working relationships. It allows us to establish connections and links with others, which in turn gives meaning to our lives and actions. What if the secret to collaborative teams was trust?

10. Autonomy

Autonomy is essential to thrive at work, no less! In fact, according to studies, three fundamental (and universal!) psychological needs are essential to wellbeing and optimal functioning at work. Autonomy is one of these needs. So, where do your employees stand in terms of autonomy?

What about your organization? What skills are most in demand right now?