Soft skills are not what’s interviewed for in every company but it is what matters the most. For our connection to the world to grow, the skills we need to emphasize are those that are not normally assessed under the typical hiring processes. Empathy and leadership are an example.

Empathy

Technology will continue to automate some aspects of work, but the ability for each of us to be kind and empathetic is necessary. Today and tomorrow. With an ever-growing shortage of talent in all facets of the tech industry, the hiring process needs to reflect what’s needed. The ridiculous number of interviews, the lack of empathy from managers, and the way performance reviews are conducted are all unconducive to this growing need for empathy.

It makes sense to embrace these skills because they’re transferable. Transferable skills are what separate people, based on hard work and character.

Leadership

Whether artificial intelligence or machine learning are the reasons or not, new jobs are created and others vanish into an abyss. Leadership, among other non-technical skills, is in demand and will continue to be sought after because such expertise is multi-dimensional. Employers need to examine the roles they’re filling to facilitate the prospective employee’s ability to lead. The current education system might not equip students to lead but it can be learned. Attaining education and expertise only to be disallowed a voice is damaging to the workforce.

These soft skills aren’t only valuable in Tech, they're necessary for all aspects of what we do. Learning these soft skills, especially leadership, can be uncomfortable. Of course, empathy and leadership are not all-encompassing, the morale and emotional safety of human beings matter as well. The more weight such skills hold, the better for all of us.

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