For 10 years, I worked in the staffing industry. The majority of my placements were accounting-related, everything from accounts payable and receivable clerks to corporate controllers. I met with hundreds, if not thousands, of hiring managers across all industries to learn more about the skills and traits needed to fit their role and organization. The one constant that stood out was they always listed what were then known as “soft skills” (now known as human skills) as their top priority. Surprisingly, technical skills were an afterthought.

Human skills include communication, problem solving, leadership, professionalism, interpersonal skills, lifelong learning, innovation, emotional intelligence, and resilience. Whether or not some of these come naturally to you, the good news is, like any type of skill, they can be developed over time. 

Developing your human skills happens in many ways: purposeful learning, mentorship, and most importantly, self-reflection. Ask your peers and leaders for feedback on the skills you should be developing. Seek books, podcasts, courses, and volunteer opportunities, and be purposeful about immersing yourself in these spaces. Say yes to opportunities that will stretch your abilities; trying new things may help you to uncover new skills. Surround yourself with others who embody the skills you want to hone and do as they do.

Why are human skills important? While many things can be automated, one thing that cannot be is the human touch. Imagine you had an ultrasound (or other type of medical imaging), and behind the scenes, your scans were read by artificial intelligence (AI), which was then able to diagnose you. Would you rather get those results via email or in person from your medical professional? A computer may be better at diagnosing, but it cannot show empathy. 

Thanks to advancing technology, the nature of work is changing. More actions are being automated, some jobs are being made redundant, and new jobs are emerging. Computers and algorithms cannot replace the need for certain skills, such as problem solving, adaptability, communication, relationship building, and teamwork. The use of AI could even place a greater importance on innovation, creativity, and leadership. We will see a shift in job postings in the next two years to list more human skills and fewer technical skills. 

What’s next? First, can we all agree to never use the term “soft skills” again? After that, take stock of your human skills: ask yourself, your mentor, your partner, and your colleagues which skills you excel at and which need a bit of work. Thirdly, make a promise to yourself to continuously develop your human skills. Be purposeful, and be committed. 

About the Author

Kimberley Dart completed her BA at the University of Saskatchewan then packed up, moved west, and never looked back! Since moving to Calgary, she has built her career with roles in staffing and recruitment, career development, leadership, and workforce strategy. She completed her M.Ed at the University of Calgary in 2020. When she’s not working, Kim enjoys time with her family, tending her garden, reading, and is often running a 5K or 10K on weekends. (It’s not about speed, but about perseverance.) She’s a lifelong fan of the Saskatchewan Roughriders and proudly wears green on game day.