- Technical writing — understanding how to use correct spelling, proper grammar, and appropriate sentence structure.
- Use of digital tools — Google Docs for writing and Grammarly for editing.
- Research — operating search engines, fact-checking, and sourcing statistics and images.
I know I will always need to use those skills to write an effective blog post for HubSpot. However, I flex different soft skills when writing distinct blog posts, depending on the topic, style, length, and parameters.
3. They balance out automation.
What do we humans have to offer in comparison to generative AI? Our passion, creativity, enthusiasm, and personalization. This is why soft skills are so essential in the workplace. They humanize our work.
I spoke with Roger Lam, senior product marketing manager at LinkedIn, who agreed.
“While generative AI and other hard skills are all the rage these days, it’s becoming even more important to develop soft skills in parallel. As manual, repetitive tasks get automated by technology, workers will have more time to partner with real people on more strategic and relational work,” Lam says.
Skills like work ethic and growth mindset are inherent to being human. My passion for my work and desire to keep growing, learning, and getting results are ways I can set myself apart from AI.
4. They are a good judge of character.
Many soft skills are inherently tied to the type of person I am. While hard skills indicate talent, experience, and expertise, certain soft skills are a telltale sign that I will be a good person to have on the team.
