Soft Skills Employers Value Most

The World Economic Forum just revealed the top skills for 2030 in their Future of Jobs Report. Spoiler: the ones rising fastest are the ones we’ve been ignoring 👀 Here’s what the data from 1,000 top employers (representing 14M workers across 22 industries) tells us: 📍 Analytical thinking is the #1 skill employers value most. 📍 Career growth is shifting from credentials to capabilities. Employers care less about degrees and more about how you think, adapt, and solve real problems. 📍 Soft skills are rising faster than technical ones, including programming and design. If you want to stay relevant by 2030, these are the skills to master: 1) Analytical Thinking → Choose one business decision this week and list 3 things you're assuming to be true. Then challenge each with data before moving forward. 2) Creative Thinking → Take a current work challenge and ask, “How would a completely different team solve this?” 3) AI & Big Data Literacy → Pick one business workflow and explore how AI could reduce time, cost, or complexity. Then test it in a low-risk area. 4) Resilience & Flexibility → Write down the last thing that frustrated you. How could you respond differently next time? 5) Motivation & Self-Awareness → Track your energy for 3 days. Note when you're most focused vs. drained. Move one key task to match your peak zone. 6) Curiosity & Lifelong Learning → Set a 30-minute calendar block to explore a trend that will affect your industry but isn’t on your roadmap yet. 7) Technological Literacy → Pick one tool your team uses and explore a feature you’ve never touched. 8) Empathy & Listening → In your next 1:1, ask: “What’s something you’ve been holding back from saying?” Then listen without interrupting. 9) Leadership & Influence → In your next team meeting or Slack update, highlight a quiet win from someone who usually flies under the radar. 10) Systems Thinking → Pick one process that causes repeated friction. Map it end-to-end, and eliminate the one step that slows everything down. WEF’s data is clear: The skills rising fastest aren’t technical, they’re human. AI is already mastering the hard skills. But it still can’t lead a team, rethink a broken process, or earn trust in a room. 🤝 By 2030, those who master soft skills with strategy won’t just survive the shift, they’ll lead it 

AWS CEO, Matt Garman, recently said some insightful things in a CNBC interview about what skills are needed to succeed in the AI age. Surprisingly, he said that you don't need a machine learning degree or other highly technical skills to succeed in the near future. Instead, Matt emphasized the importance of "soft" (aka human) skills. These include 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (which requires 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘆 and 𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲). In fact, these are the skills he advises his own high school-aged child to focus on developing. The World Economic Forum agrees. In their Future of Jobs Report 2025, they listed human skills (vs. technical skills) as 8 of the top 10 core skills need for success today. These include: 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗳𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆; 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴; 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲; 𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀; 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴; 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴; 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁; 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲. (The other 2 are analytical thinking and technological literacy.) Adaptability is a particularly important skill because things are changing so rapidly. We need to learn not only new technologies, but in many cases, completely new ways of working. Add to this the coming reality that AI will transition from being a 𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗹 to a 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 (though hopefully not your boss). As I've been saying for a while, in a world where everything that 𝘤𝘢𝘯 be automated 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 be automated, these emotional-social skills are more important than ever. As AI becomes ubiquitous, knowing how to use it will be like knowing how to use a spreadsheet or touch type (both of which were highly specialized skills at one point). AI skills will be table stakes; human skills will be the differentiator. Cultivating nontechnical skills is not a "nice to have"; it's mission-critical for our careers, our leadership, and our businesses. As Matt said, "People skills are going to continue to be super important for a long time." What skills do you think will be critical for success in our AI-powered future? Please share in the comments.

7 Soft Skills You Need to Get Ahead in 2025 (Especially in a world full of AI and Automation): Everyone’s racing to automate everything. And that’s great — you should. But AI creates a new kind of gap: A human gap. The more we automate the technical… The more valuable the human becomes. These are the skills that won’t be replaced. They’ll become the reason people hire you. 1) Anticipating what people need The best people don’t wait for instructions. They ask the right questions early, spot the gaps, and come prepared. That kind of foresight makes clients and customers feel taken care of. 2) Challenging outdated thinking Yes-men are forgettable. People trust experts who have opinions — even if they push back. If you’ve done this long enough, you’ve earned the right to say, “There’s a better way.” 3) The ability to connect AI can handle logistics. But people still buy from people they like. Relating to others — knowing when to joke, when to slow down, when to empathize — that’s a cheat code. 4) Communicating clearly Most people over-explain. Great communicators simplify complexity, eliminate jargon, and get to the point. Especially when stakes are high. 5) Active listening The smartest person in the room doesn’t talk the most — they listen the best. People don’t want to be sold. They want to feel heard. That starts with shutting up and paying attention. 6) Taking initiative If you have to be told what to do all the time, you're replaceable. If you take ownership, solve problems, and move fast — you become invaluable. Initiative is the new leadership. 7) Emotional intelligence It’s not just what you say — it’s when and how. Knowing when to push, when to pause, and when to check in… That’s what makes you a trusted advisor instead of just another vendor. You can outsource tasks. You can automate systems. But soft skills? They re the reason why people want to work with you again. Thanks for reading. Enjoyed this post? Subscribe to my newsletter — I share practical ways to combine smart systems with human connection. Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/gBukTtJN

Technical skills get you hired. Soft skills tell how far you'll go. After 15+ years leading medical teams and companies, I've learned: Skills gaps stall career, not technical limits The good news? These patterns are predictable and fixable Here are the critical soft skills that make or break high performers: 1/ Time Management 🛑 Always late to meetings or deadlines ✅ Use time-blocking to prioritize tasks. Every minute counts. 2/ Communication Style 🛑 Dominating conversations without listening to anyone ✅ Actively listen by summarizing others' points 3/ Handling Feedback 🛑 Getting defensive when receiving criticism ✅ Ask for specific examples to improve performance 4/ Stress Management 🛑 Becoming overly frustrated under pressure ✅ Practice stress-relief routines, like deep breathing. Pressure reveals character. 5/ Teamwork 🛑 Only working alone and rarely collaborating ✅ Offer to help others with projects and brainstorm ideas 6/ Conflict Resolution 🛑 Not addressing issues, hoping they'll disappear ✅ Address conflicts directly and share your concerns 7/ Emotional Intelligence 🛑 Not read the room or hear other perspectives ✅ Ask others about their challenges. Critical in high-stress environments 8/ Problem-Solving 🛑 Escalating issues without trying solutions ✅ Suggest multiple ideas along with problems 9/ Creativity 🛑 Sticking rigidly to old processes ✅ Find new and creative ways to work 10/ Continuous Learning 🛑 Never updating your skills or knowledge base ✅ Dedicate 30 minutes daily to relevant news and education 11/ Networking 🛑 Avoiding events and not interacting with people ✅ Have lunch with a different colleague each week 12/ Professionalism 🛑 Gossiping and speaking negatively about coworkers ✅ Redirect negativity to problem-solving. Gossip destroys trust. 13/ Self-Motivation 🛑 Needing constant supervision to stay on task ✅ Break projects into manageable tasks with real deadlines 14/ Leadership 🛑 Micromanaging and struggling to delegate ✅ Trust based on strengths and give autonomy. Trust your team or lose them. __ P.S. Which soft skill is your strongest? (Or needs work?) Share below 👇 ♻️ Follow me and share this to help others 📌 Save this post for future reference!⁣⁣⁣⁣ If you're a high-performing founder, grab my top 60+ infographics (free): 👉 Signup here: www.PeakProtocol.co

Technical skills may get the job done, but they’re only half the equation. Soft skills are what truly set great team members apart. They: → Build stronger workplace relationships. → Help your team navigate change with ease. → Drive better collaboration and problem-solving. Here are 8 soft skills to prioritize in your next hire: 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 Seek candidates who can handle setbacks and bounce back quickly. 𝘞𝘩𝘺 𝘪𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴: Resilient employees stay productive and focused, even under pressure. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺-𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 Look for creative thinkers who approach challenges proactively. 𝘞𝘩𝘺 𝘪𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴: Problem-solvers ensure progress, even in the face of obstacles. 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 Hire people who embrace change and stay open to new ways of working. 𝘞𝘩𝘺 𝘪𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴: Adaptable employees help your team thrive in fast-paced, evolving industries. 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 Choose candidates who value diverse perspectives and work well with others. 𝘞𝘩𝘺 𝘪𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴: Collaboration leads to stronger teams and better results. 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 Find individuals who can articulate ideas clearly and concisely. 𝘞𝘩𝘺 𝘪𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴: Good communication prevents misunderstandings and aligns teams. 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 Prioritize candidates who listen to understand, not just to respond. 𝘞𝘩𝘺 𝘪𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴: Active listeners build trust and stronger workplace relationships. 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 Look for people who can prioritize tasks and meet deadlines effectively. 𝘞𝘩𝘺 𝘪𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴: Strong time management keeps productivity high and stress low. 𝗘𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 (𝗘𝗤) Find individuals who understand and manage emotions—both theirs and others’. 𝘞𝘩𝘺 𝘪𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴: EQ helps navigate workplace dynamics and promotes positive relationships. While technical skills are important, soft skills are what create a strong, adaptable, and collaborative team. When you prioritize these traits during hiring, you’re setting your business up for long-term success. --- Follow Jeff Gapinski for more content like this. ♻️ Share this to help someone else with their career. #career #marketing #softskills

The skills employers want most aren't what you think. LinkedIn just released its Skills on the Rise 2025 report. The results are eye-opening. The data says by 2030, 70% of the skills used in most jobs will change. And of the 15 fastest-growing skills employers want, 10 are soft skills. Human skills that AI can't replace. This isn't random. It's a sign of where work is heading. → Technical skills gets you in the door → Human skills help you lead the room → Having both makes you irreplaceable The top spot? AI Literacy. But it's not what you might think: It's not coding AI. It's not data science. It's not building models. It's about knowing how to use AI strategically to solve problems and make better decisions. The other top skills show a clear pattern: → Adaptability → Public Speaking → Conflict Mitigation → Innovative Thinking Employers aren't just hiring for technical know-how. They want people who can: → Adapt when plans change → Communicate ideas clearly → Navigate tough conversations → Build strong work relationships → Think creatively about challenges Why this shift? As work becomes more digital, remote, and AI-driven, the human element becomes even more valuable. The skills that will future-proof your career are the ones only humans have. The best move you can make right now? Build one of these soft skills. Then another. Because they'll still matter long after today's technical skills become old news. Check out Skills on the Rise 2025 (US Edition): https://lnkd.in/eyzxpZEM ♻️ Valuable? Repost to share with your network. 🔖 Follow Justin Wright for more on career growth. #SkillsOnTheRise #LinkedInNews