When it comes to making hiring decisions, most employers begin by evaluating hard skills — technical competencies such as the ability to use a particular computer program, operate a machine or speak a foreign language. After narrowing the list down to the best-qualified candidates, HR leaders typically begin assessing professionals’ soft skills, such as communication, leadership, teamwork and time management.
Both sets of skills are critical to an employee’s success, as both impact business outcomes and both factor into hiring choices. But while most companies offer their employees numerous opportunities to further develop technical skills throughout their career, few organizations focus on nurturing their team members’ soft skills.
Here’s why you should focus on building your workforce’s soft skills, and how to do it effectively.
