Recruiting, Hiring and Managing Creative and Innovative People

In today’s rapidly evolving marketplace, technical skills are undeniably important.  Programmers need to know coding languages.  Actuaries must understand how to analyze statistical data.  And Cinematographers must know how to use 4D cameras to shoot a film.  They must know the nuts and bolts of their profession.  However, for a business to rely solely on employees’ technical skills is akin to building a house on sand.  The bedrock of sustainable success lies in fostering a culture of creativity and innovation.  For business owners, prioritizing the recruitment and development of those “soft skills” is not just a competitive advantage; it’s a necessity for survival and exponential growth.  

Creativity and Innovation are the Dynamic Duo of Soft Skills

Employers recruit and hire people who can bring their knowledge, skills and experience to bear at an organization to get things done, achieve goals and boost productivity.  That’s true of people who work for a profitable business, a non-profit organization, a charity or even the government.  It’s even true for farmers who breed animals that will generate milk, eggs, or some other product.  The focus is on generating a return on the investment.

A typical farmer would be satisfied with having a flock of hens or geese that produce a lot of eggs.  But what farmer wouldn’t love to have geese that lay golden eggs?   Those geese would be invaluable.  And if the farmer was savvy, he might even hire someone that can find ways to boost golden egg production, maximize the revenue generated by golden eggs and or even devise new, more-lucrative uses for those golden eggs.  And the savviest farmers might even try to find more geese that lay golden eggs. 

Working in Groups Does Not Equal Collaboration

Most people do not collaborate well.  They may work in a group or department.  They might even be part of a team.  And yet they lack basic collaboration skills, the most critical of all soft skills.  Why is this crucial skill so difficult to master?  While it is an invaluable talent, many struggle to execute it effectively for several reasons.

Collaboration:  the Crucial Soft Skill needed in the Future

There aren’t too many industries where people work all alone or in which their work does not impact or involve anyone else.  Industries where individuals typically work independently — without a significant need for cooperation, coordination, or teamwork include data entry, janitorial services, security guarding, truck driving, freelance writing, certain aspects of manufacturing (like machine operation), medical coding, and some forms of technical maintenance where tasks can be completed mostly autonomously. 

Communication: The Weakest Link of all Soft Skills

Organizations hire people who possess all the hard skills and soft skills to do the job… or as close as possible.  Hard skills are taught extensively in colleges and universities.  There are also apprenticeships, internships, certification programs and technical schools that offer hands-on instruction.  Even many workplaces offer on-the-job training programs.  From pilot to programmer and from aviator to architect, most jobs require extensive learning to master technical skills.

Critical Thinking is the Rock Star of Soft Skills

Soft skills are critically important for practically every job.  And there are so many soft skills that they’ve been grouped into buckets or categories, such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, etc.  Leaders and managers need to know and understand all the soft skills because they are so important to an organization’s success. 

However, with so many soft skills that play a role in the success of each employee and the impact those skills have on the company, the challenge is to understand them all.  Why are they needed? Can they be learned or bolstered?  Can they be measured and evaluated in the same way that hard skills are?  And which ones matter most for a particular job or business?

Which Soft Skills Matter Most?

At work, employees are expected to do their jobs and do them well.  They need to be able to achieve goals efficiently and effectively.  That usually means they have the skills and abilities to get things done. The more complex the job and the more demanding the position, the more skills and training is likely needed.  Much of that know-how is dubbed “hard skills” or “technical skills”.  A lot of that is taught in schools.  But besides “hard skills”, virtually all jobs also require another set of skills commonly dubbed “soft skills.”  

Why Soft Skills Matter

According to Peggy Klaus, leadership and communication expert and author of “Brag”, “75% of long-term job success depends on people skills, while only 25% on technical knowledge.”  Indeed, in defining job skills for any position, HR and hiring managers usually break them down into two major categories:  technical or hard skills and soft skills.  Jobs focus on the technical, but it’s the soft skills that lead to promotions, raises and success. 

The term “soft skills” itself has a bit of a misleading history.  The term originated in the U.S. Military in the 1960s.  Coined by the U.S. Army in the late 1960s, it was used to contrast with “hard skills,” which involved the use of machinery and technical expertise. “Soft skills” were essentially referred to as any skill that didn’t directly involve operating equipment.  

The simple statement “I Matter” holds within it a transformative power capable of unlocking human potential. This seemingly basic assertion carries profound implications for self-worth, confidence, and ultimately, achievement. Why are those two little words so powerful?

First, at its core, “I Matter” acknowledges the inherent intrinsic value of every individual, regardless of external factors like achievements, social status, or comparisons to others. It recognizes that each person possesses unique talents, perspectives, and contributions that enrich the world.

Second, believing in one’s inherent worth cultivates a strong sense of self. It provides the inner fortitude to navigate challenges, embrace risks, and pursue goals with conviction. When individuals truly believe they matter, they are less likely to be deterred by setbacks or self-doubt.

The start of a new year often brings with it a wave of resolutions and a renewed sense of purpose. While setting goals is crucial, cultivating a positive attitude might be the most powerful tool in your professional and personal arsenal.  In the bustling world of business, a positive attitude is more than just a pleasant personality trait; it’s a cornerstone of success.  That’s because a positive attitude has a ripple effect. 

A good attitude boosts productivity by fueling motivation and resilience. When faced with challenges, those with a positive attitude are more likely to view setbacks as learning opportunities rather than insurmountable obstacles. This proactive approach leads to increased efficiency and a greater capacity for innovation and new direction.