Soft skills are hard skills.

 Soft skills are hard skills.

During my Gen-Z interpersonal skills training, I encountered participants who wanted to learn and improve their interpersonal skills to manage their stakeholders better. However, I also noticed that they were worried about the challenges they face in their workplaces and the people they work with. During our discussions, many openly expressed that their jobs are hard & complex, the people are hostile, and managers are tough. I've been hearing similar sentiments for over two decades, and every generation seems to share them.

As a trainer, I believe that when we start advising participants too early, we risk losing their engagement in the rest of the program. Their minds can be like boiling water, filled with hostility, which makes it challenging for me to provide practical advice. However, I set aside their feelings for a moment, and once they start to embrace the program, they become eager to learn. At that point, I ask them a thought-provoking question: "What would life be like if you didn't have a job?" Responses typically include phrases like "no money, no honey," "stress," "no respect," "fear," "frustration," and "worries." If flip charts could express emotion, they would be crying from the weight of those answers.

I then assert that what they consider a hardship—namely, their job—is a necessity for others who are hoping to attain what they have. This realisation can help diminish the negative points they have listed on the flip chart. Every job comes with its built-in challenges and ease; it is up to them to continuously improve themselves to face these hardships. Remember, soft skills are not truly soft—they are among the hardest skills that enable personal and professional growth. For example, while an engineering degree may have opened the door to this organisation, human engineering will provide the ladder for advancement. Instead of complaining about hardships, I encourage them to build friendships with people who are mastering the art of facing challenges with a smile.

M.L. Narendra Kumar