Seldom do you see the names Harvard, Stanford, and Carnegie in the same sentence. And so when I came across an article that they conducted a joint research study, it called my attention. Not just that, but the results of that study really surprised me. To quote the article, “In a research study conducted by Harvard University in conjunction with the Carnegie Foundation and Stanford Research Center, it was found that 85% of job success comes from having well‐developed soft and people skills, and only 15% of job success comes from technical skills and knowledge (hard skills).”

Wow! So that’s pretty interesting. If those findings were true, why is the education system still geared toward hard skills rather than soft skills? A better question would be, why isn’t soft skills (like time management, adaptability, leadership, conflict resolution, critical thinking, empathy, etc.) given equal treatment? At most, it is relegated to clubs, school organizations, co- and extra-curricular activities hoping the exposure to those would be enough. Still, up to now, soft skills are not formally taught within a class or course.

In the blog “The Soft Skills Disconnect” by the National Soft Skills Association, the question was asked, “If soft skills are six times more important than hard skills for job success, why is almost ¾ of all the training dollars going to hard skills?” referring to a study made by the American Society for Training and Development (or ASTD, now called Association for Talent Development). In that study called “The State of the Industry Report (Green and McGill, 2011)”, it showed that U.S. employers spent $171.5 billion on employee learning and development in 2010, and only 27.6% of those training dollars went to soft skills training.

The importance of soft skills training has become increasingly evident, as businesses recognize the invaluable impact these skills have on overall success. From effective communication to problem-solving, soft skills are the bedrock of a well-rounded and adaptable workforce.

The Power of Soft Skills

Soft skills are often referred to as "people skills" or "interpersonal skills". It encompasses a wide range of attributes that are essential for effective collaboration, communication, and relationship-building in the workplace. While technical skills are undoubtedly important, it is soft skills that often distinguish exceptional employees from their peers. Employees who possess strong soft skills not only excel in their individual roles but also contribute positively to team dynamics and organizational culture.

Enhancing Employee Performance and Engagement

Investing in soft skills training is not just a matter of professional development; it's a strategic imperative for businesses looking to remain competitive in today's global market. Employees who receive comprehensive soft skills training are better equipped to navigate complex challenges, communicate effectively with colleagues and clients, and adapt to changing circumstances with agility. In addition, fostering a culture that values and prioritizes soft skills development can lead to higher levels of employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention.

Driving Organizational Success

Beyond individual performance and engagement, soft skills training has far-reaching implications for organizational success. Effective leadership, for example, hinges on the ability to inspire, motivate, and empower others – all of which are rooted in soft skills such as empathy, communication, and conflict resolution. Similarly, cultivating a culture of collaboration and innovation requires employees who can work effectively in teams, communicate ideas persuasively, and adapt to new situations with resilience. By prioritizing soft skills training at all levels of the organization, businesses can foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation that drives long-term success.

Embracing a Culture of Continuous Learning

Soft skills training is not a one-time event but an ongoing journey of personal and professional growth. By embracing a culture of continuous learning, businesses can empower their employees to stay ahead of the curve, adapt to new challenges, and seize opportunities for innovation and growth. Whether through instructor-led training, workshops, coaching sessions, or online courses, there are varied ways for employees to enhance their soft skills and unlock their full potential. By promoting and advocating for continuous learning at all levels of the organization, this creates a workplace that is not only resilient and adaptable, but also inclusive and empowering for all.

Be an Advocate of Soft Skills Training in your Organizations Now

While in-house training programs allow organizations to customize content to address specific organizational needs and culture, external training sources offer a broader range of perspectives and best practices. By incorporating both in-house and external soft skills training initiatives, companies can cultivate a well-rounded workforce capable of effective communication, collaboration, leadership, and emotional intelligence. This hybrid approach ensures that employees develop the interpersonal skills necessary to thrive in diverse work environments and contribute to the company's overall growth and success.

In conclusion, the importance of soft skills training in the corporate world cannot be overstated. By prioritizing soft skills development and embracing a culture of continuous learning, businesses can equip their employees with the tools they need to succeed today and in the future. Let us commit to promoting and advocating for continuous learning at all levels of our organizations, empowering employees to unleash their full potential and achieve collective success.

“As companies build the organization of the future, continuous learning is critical for business success.”

– Deloitte Insights

Did you know that when organizations “do not support a continual process of learning, innovation does not happen, processes remain unchanged, and nothing new is ever accomplished.”? Are those what you want for your organization? To remain stagnant, resist change, and never question current yet archaic processes? That opening quote was made by Ivan Andreev in his article entitled “Continuous Learning”. And if you are looking for a sign to promote learning and development in YOUR organization… This. Is. It.

In the article “Continuous Learning: What It Is & Why It’s Important For Your Business”, author Maile Timon describes Continuous Learning as “a workplace culture that encourages employees to prioritize ongoing learning and improvement.” She even goes to say that “Learning shouldn’t end at onboarding. In fact, it shouldn’t end. Ever.” And she’s right.

Strategy #1: Embracing a Learning Mindset

Building a culture of continuous learning within your organization is about staying relevant, and competitive. It's also about empowering your employees to thrive in an environment of constant evolution. A learning mindset encourages curiosity, experimentation, and resilience – qualities that are essential for success. By fostering a culture that values and prioritizes learning at all levels, organizations can unlock the full potential of their workforce and drive innovation and growth.

Strategy #2: Leadership Buy-In and Support

Creating a culture of continuous learning begins at the top. Leaders play a pivotal role in setting the tone and direction for the organization's learning initiatives. When leaders prioritize learning and demonstrate a commitment to their own professional development, it sends a powerful message to employees about the importance of continuous learning. Leaders should not only provide resources and support for learning activities but also actively participate in them. By leading by example, leaders can inspire and motivate employees to embrace learning as an integral part of their professional journey.

Strategy #3: Providing Accessible Learning Opportunities

One of the key factors in building a culture of continuous learning is ensuring that learning opportunities are accessible to all employees. This means offering a variety of learning modalities – from instructor-led training to online courses, workshops, and mentoring programs. Providing flexibility in how and when employees engage in learning activities allows them to tailor their learning experiences to their individual needs and preferences.

Strategy #4: Celebrating and Recognizing Learning Achievements

When employees feel acknowledged and appreciated for their efforts to learn and grow, they are more likely to remain motivated and engaged in their learning journey. Recognition takes many forms: informal shout-outs, praise during team meetings, formal rewards and incentives for reaching learning milestones, etc. Publicly acknowledging and celebrating learning achievements promotes a sense of accomplishment among employees and reinforces the importance of continuous learning as a core value.

A culture of continuous learning is an ongoing commitment to personal and professional growth. By embracing a learning mindset, securing leadership buy-in and support, providing accessible learning opportunities, and celebrating learning achievements, organizations can create an environment where employees are empowered to thrive and succeed.

REFERENCES:

Ivan Andreev, Updated June 17, 2023, Continuous Learning, [Online post]. Retrieved from https://www.valamis.com/hub/continuous-learning, [Accessed 17th February 2024]

Maile Timon, September 4, 2023, Continuous Learning: What It Is & Why It’s Important For Your Business, [Online post]. Retrieved from https://www.workramp.com/blog/continuous-learning/,

[Accessed 17th February 2024]