Why Soft Skills Are the New Superpower: The Secret Sauce to Future Success

Series General, Blog 1

The content of this blog is now available as a podcast too. If you are an auditory consumer of wisdom, listen to this scintillating exchange below:

When Brilliance Isn’t Enough

Let me start with a few real stories I'm sure you will love to know about:

First is about Linus Torvalds, the creator of the Linux operating system. Why is Linus’ story pertinent?

• Brilliant Engineer: Linus was (still is) undeniably a technical genius, having created one of the most widely used operating systems in the world. His coding skills and deep understanding of software development are legendary.

• Struggles with Leadership and Communication: Torvalds has been publicly known for his blunt, abrasive communication style, which has often led to conflicts within the open-source community. He has admitted to having poor interpersonal skills, including sending harsh and unfiltered emails that alienated collaborators.

• Leadership Challenges: While he is highly respected for his technical contributions, his lack of emotional intelligence in handling people and managing relationships within the community has drawn criticism over the years.

Turning point in Linus’s life: In 2018, Torvalds took a break from Linux development to work on his personal behavior and improve his communication style. He acknowledged his shortcomings and publicly apologized for his past behavior, showing a willingness to work on his leadership skills and emotional intelligence.

Let’s now take the case of Travis Kalanick, the former CEO of Uber. He was a visionary who revolutionized the ride-sharing industry, but his abrasive leadership style and lack of empathy led to a toxic work culture. The result?

A massive PR disaster and his eventual ouster.

Or consider Elizabeth Holmes, the founder of Theranos. She was a Stanford dropout with a revolutionary idea, but her inability to build trust and communicate transparently led to one of the biggest scandals in recent Silicon Valley history.

These stories highlight a harsh truth: no matter how brilliant you are, poor soft skills can derail your career.

The Big Shift: What the Research Says

The world is changing faster than ever, and the skills needed to succeed are evolving too. Let’s look at what the data says:

• World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report:

  • In this 2023 report, by 2025 (which is already upon us) and beyond, 50% of all employees will need reskilling, and the top skills in demand will be analytical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence.

  • Out of the top 10 skills needed for the future, 8 are soft skills.

Source: World Economic Forum, Future of Jobs Survey 2023.

Note: The Future of Jobs Survey uses the World Economic Forum's Global Skills Taxonomy.

• LinkedIn Global Talent Trends Report:

  • 92% of hiring managers say soft skills are equally or more important than technical skills.

  • The most in-demand soft skills include creativity, persuasion, collaboration, and adaptability.

• Harvard University Study:

  • 85% of career success comes from well-developed soft skills, while only 15% comes from technical knowledge.

• Google’s Project Oxygen:

  • In a study of their most successful employees, Google found that the top traits were communication, empathy, and coaching skills - not technical expertise.

The Soft Skills Advantage: Why They Matter

Let’s break down the key soft skills and why they’re so powerful:

1. Communication:

   • Why it matters: Whether it’s pitching an idea, resolving a conflict, or just making small talk, the ability to communicate effectively is gold.

   • Example: Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, transformed the company’s culture by emphasizing empathy and open communication.

2. Emotional Intelligence:

   • Why it matters: Understanding your emotions—and others’—helps you navigate tricky situations and build strong relationships.

   • Example: Oprah Winfrey built an empire by connecting with her audience on an emotional level.

3. Adaptability:

   • Why it matters: In a world that’s changing faster than ever, the ability to pivot and learn new skills is crucial.

   • Example: Netflix shifted from DVD rentals to streaming, becoming a global leader in entertainment.

4. Leadership:

   • Why it matters: It’s not just about managing teams; it’s about inspiring and influencing others to achieve a common goal.

   • Example: Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, is celebrated for her visionary leadership and ability to connect with employees.

5. Creativity:

   • Why it matters: The ability to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions is what sets humans apart from machines.

   • Example: Elon Musk revolutionized multiple industries by thinking creatively and taking risks.

Real-Life Stories: Leaders Who Got It Right

Let’s look at some leaders who succeeded because of their soft skills:

• Satya Nadella (Microsoft):

  • When Nadella took over as CEO, Microsoft was struggling. By fostering a culture of empathy and collaboration, he turned the company into a trillion-dollar giant.

• Mary Barra (General Motors):

  • Barra, the first female CEO of a major automaker, is known for her transparent communication and ability to inspire her team during challenging times.

• Howard Schultz (Starbucks):

  • Schultz built Starbucks into a global brand by focusing on employee well-being and customer experience—key aspects of emotional intelligence.

My Journey: How Soft Skills Saved the Day

Now, let’s get personal. I’m not a technical wizard or a functional expert. My superpower has always been my ability to connect with people, understand their needs, and bring out the best in them. Whether it was leading a team, mentoring young professionals, or navigating complex organizational dynamics, my soft skills were my secret weapon.

For example, early in my career, I was tasked with managing a team of highly technical experts in the field of Instructional Designing, specifically those who were graphic designers and coders. I didn’t know the nitty-gritty of their work; but I knew how to listen, ask the right questions, and create an environment where they could thrive. And guess what? We delivered some of the best results the organization had seen.

The Call-to-Action: Your Turn to Level Up

If you want to future-proof your career and stand out in a crowded job market, it’s time to invest in your soft skills. And that’s where Royz Success Mantras comes in.

 In our portal, you’ll find:

• Actionable tips to build your communication, leadership, and emotional intelligence.

• Insights from industry leaders who’ve mastered the art of soft skills.

• Real-life stories (like mine) that show how soft skills can transform your career.

Ready to get started? Start with sharing an example in your life where you realized that soft, leadership, and behavioral skills were pertinent to success.