We often focus on ensuring our children excel academically, but in today’s rapidly changing world, success extends far beyond achieving good grades. Soft skills, or non-technical skills, are becoming increasingly important for personal and professional achievement.
What are soft skills?
These are general skills that are looked for when applying for college, university or recruited by organisations and are needed for most jobs. They’re sometimes called transferable skills or employability skills. We gain soft skills in life, school and work. These are skills that can be displayed as part of your personality rather than being backed up with qualifications or certificates.
What is the difference between hard skills and soft skills?
Hard skills refer to technical knowledge and training, often backed with evidence of that training and/or certification and qualification
Soft skills describe personal and behavioural traits such as communication skills and leadership. Both skill types are essential for advancement in the vast majority of circumstances like school and work
Some examples of soft skills include things like:
- Communication skills
- Teamwork
- Adaptability
- Problem-solving
- Emotional intelligence
Here’s why these skills are increasingly important and how you can flourish.
Communication: Effective communication is the cornerstone of success in every aspect of life. Encourage your child to express themselves clearly, listen actively, and understand the perspectives of others. Engage in meaningful conversations, ask open-ended questions, encourage them to be curious and provide opportunities for them to communicate with people of diverse backgrounds.
Teamwork: Collaboration is essential in today’s interconnected world. Teach your child the value of teamwork by involving them in group activities, team sports, or community projects. Emphasise the importance of cooperation, compromise, and respecting others’ contributions.
Adaptability: The ability to adapt to change is a valuable skill in an ever-changing world. Encourage your child to embrace new experiences, challenges, and uncertainties. Help them develop resilience and flexibility by exposing them to diverse environments and encouraging them to normalise and learn from setbacks.
Problem-Solving: Problem-solving skills empower individuals to overcome obstacles and find innovative solutions. Encourage your child to think critically, analyse situations, and brainstorm creative ideas. Foster their curiosity and encourage them to ask questions, experiment, and learn from mistakes.
Emotional Intelligence: Emotional intelligence is essential for navigating social interactions, managing emotions, and building meaningful relationships. Teach your child to recognise and understand their own emotions and those of others. Encourage empathy, kindness, and compassion towards others.
Time Management: Effective time management is crucial for achieving goals and balancing responsibilities. Help your child develop organisational skills, prioritise tasks, and manage their time efficiently. Encourage them to set realistic goals, break tasks into manageable steps, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. This will also help them to experience good mental health
Leadership: Leadership skills empower individuals to inspire and influence others positively. Encourage your child to take on leadership roles, whether in school clubs, sports teams, or community organisations. Teach them to lead by example, communicate vision, delegate tasks, and inspire teamwork. This will also encourage them to be independent in thinking and actions taken
Respect and Diversity: Respect for diversity and inclusion is essential in today’s multicultural society. Teach your child to appreciate and celebrate differences in culture, ethnicity, religion, and background. Encourage them to be open-minded, tolerant, and respectful towards others, regardless of differences.
By nurturing soft skills in your children, you’re not only preparing them for future success but also helping them become empathetic, adaptable, and well-rounded individuals. Remember, cultivating these skills is an ongoing journey that requires patience, encouragement, and leading by example. Together, let’s empower our children to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
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If you or your young person are unsure about the next steps, our team of professional careers advisers is available to provide impartial advice and guidance on the different choices available. These include Post-16 and Post-18 options, skills, qualifications, subject choices, and vocational learning routes such as diplomas and apprenticeships. You can schedule a call to speak to a professionally qualified careers adviser if your young person needs guidance on their next step by emailing careersadvice@formthefuture.org.uk.