Soft Skills that are not “soft” at all

How many times have we come across people who are very, very good at what they do, technically, but they don’t know how to deal with other colleagues?

Unfortunately, it’s a reality more often than we’d like, and it causes several additional challenges within teams. Whether out of ego, disregard for others, or even inability to deal with third parties, it is always necessary to ask someone with “ soft ” skills to unlock the themes and alleviate the tensions created.

The term itself greatly devalues ​​the importance of those who are experts in this art of dealing with people and being able to bring out the best in each one. There is no technical specialization per se, but there is a giant capacity for empathy and emotional intelligence that allow you to empower and motivate others.

Undoubtedly an art. Because there is nothing more difficult and challenging than dealing with, leading, and managing people. Each one with its reality, experience, personality, and character. And for those who have this superpower, it is important to realize and appreciate that it is very tiring. Knowing what to say at the right time and sometimes what not to say are very important aspects that, at the end of the day, are reflected in fatigue and additional worries.

Soft skills should be renamed Power Skills

Humanity is so advanced in terms of technology that the human component has been left in last place. Promotions are based on operational aspects and not on leadership skills, and there is also a wrong culture of valuing those who work overtime at the expense of those who manage their time well, to the point of being able to do everything they are responsible for, within working hours. The examples are many and varied.

But, on the other hand, I have also felt a slight change. It may not be a big enough change (as it should be) but eventually, it starts to happen. The hustle culture is already starting to be discouraged (finally!) because this idea that we have to kill ourselves to be successful at work is not healthy at all. It is important to clarify whether:

Do we live to work or work to live?

And if we have the superpower of knowing how to deal with others, we have even more power to be able to continue to maintain this change by being able to lighten and relativize the day-to-day challenges, promote healthy behaviors within the team (such as not letting people on vacation be contacted), setting an example on various topics and motivating the team as a whole, and each individual, in particular, to achieve more balance in their lives, and to overcome various issues that go far beyond the professional aspect.

Hard skills can be learned and are important, it’s true. But never underestimate the real power of “soft” skills because only with them can we guarantee an environment of continuous evolution and improvement!

And I want to make sure you know that I see you! I know how difficult it can be, how exhausting and draining. But you need to know that you are essential to the success of your team and company. And, above all, you are essential to your own success - professionally and personally. So make sure to put in place several mechanisms that will help you regulate your energy and keep your head and body healthy. That is the most important thing.

So, use and abuse your superpower and keep growing!

Have a wonderful day,

Alexandra Sousa