When it comes to hiring employees, most managers tend to focus on their technical skills and experience. While these are important factors, they are not the only ones that determine a person’s success in a job.
Soft skills, also known as interpersonal or people skills, are equally essential for an employee’s performance and contribution to the team. Unfortunately, these skills are often overlooked or undervalued by leaders. Below are four of the most underrated soft skills that leaders should consider when evaluating their employees.
1. Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence (EI) refers to the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our emotions and those of others. It includes skills such as empathy, self-awareness, and social skills. Employees with high EI can communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and build positive relationships with their colleagues and clients.
Leaders should look for signs of emotional intelligence in their employees, such as the ability to listen actively, respond appropriately to criticism, and adapt to changes. They should also provide opportunities for their employees to develop their emotional intelligence, such as workshops or training sessions on communication and conflict resolution.
2. Creativity
Creativity is the ability to generate new ideas and solutions to problems. It is not limited to artistic or design fields but can be applied to any job that requires problem-solving and innovation. Employees who are creative can think outside the box, challenge the status quo, and come up with novel approaches to challenges.
Leaders should encourage and reward creativity in their employees by providing opportunities for brainstorming and experimentation. They should also recognize and celebrate innovative solutions, even if they do not always lead to immediate results.
3. Adaptability
Adaptability is the ability to adjust to new situations, challenges, and environments. It includes being flexible, open-minded, and willing to learn. Employees who are adaptable can handle changes in the workplace, such as new policies, procedures, or technologies, with ease and resilience.
Leaders should look for employees who are willing to take on new challenges, ask questions, and seek feedback. They should also provide support and resources to help their employees adapt to changes, such as training or mentoring programs.
4. Cultural Intelligence
Cultural intelligence (CQ) refers to the ability to understand and work effectively with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. It includes skills such as empathy, curiosity, and respect for differences. In today’s globalized and diverse workplace, employees with high CQ can navigate cultural differences, communicate across cultures, and build relationships with people from different backgrounds.
Leaders should value and prioritize cultural intelligence in their employees by promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. They should also provide opportunities for their employees to learn about different cultures, such as cross-cultural training and language classes.
Emotional intelligence, creativity, adaptability, and cultural intelligence are just a few examples of underrated soft skills that can make a significant difference in an employee’s performance and contribution to the team. By recognizing and nurturing these skills in their employees, leaders can build a more diverse, innovative, and productive workforce.
