The language of work is being refashioned courtesy of the onslaught of automation that promises to rework the way it is being done. The benefits that are crystallized due to automation have the potential to sap out the monotonous grind work that some of us detest. It also begets the question: will human workers lose their jobs or risk becoming redundant?
It is too premature to answer this question since we are still not clear what automation can do or not do for knowledge workers. This is not an attempt to talk down the prospects of AI and automation but to let employees know the burgeoning new opportunity that has calcified around this new phase of technological revolution. Soft skills, or interpersonal skills, as it is called, is one ability that will become a lodestar in this era of automation.
Soft skills is one blanket term that is the fulcrum of how we interact with each other on a daily basis. With tech replacing face-to-face interactions (video calls have practically obliterated the need for in-person meetings), it is important to hone these skills to succeed in the modern workplace.
The ambit of soft skills is wide, as it includes a spectrum of skills like communication, teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. Machines and the likes of it may be adept at crunching mountains of data and offering precise calculations, but they don’t have the means to persuade or adapt to a new problem that is being presented to them.
Communicating effectively is not only about writing abilities but also includes the expertise to adapt the way you speak to suit your audience. For what it’s worth, the ability to match the wavelength of your audience will not only help you command the room but will also help you win them over in matters that are critical to close.
You are not working in silos; even if you chose to go for a freelance gig, you still need to work with teams to get the ball rolling. The automation has ensured that individual tasks are taken care of, but teamwork involves creating a sense of collaboration among team members to ensure that everybody feels a sense of ownership at work and is proud of what they are part of. It will help to unpick the conflicts that frequently arise in teams.
Emotional intelligence is the ability to manage emotions effectively so that we can balance our head and heart and not get carried away by them. The latest trend of bringing your whole self to work necessitates that we manage our emotions since we are choosing to expose our vulnerabilities to our colleagues. It will also improve our working relationships with colleagues who are like a second family to most of us.
If there is one thing that AI can’t do, it is the ability to think on its toes. It has a formidable reputation for performing repetitive tasks but is unable to deal with unexpected situations and unforeseen challenges. This is where the humans score an edge since they are inherent problem solvers. The ability to analyse information and present innovative solutions will distinguish you from machines and colleagues alike.
So how can modern workplaces enable their employees to sharpen their soft skills and create an edge for them? The answer is simple. Soft skills like other skills can be taught and honed over a period of time. Workshops and seminars can help employees learn the ropes, especially those who have just started their careers.
Young professionals need to be assigned mentors who will help them polish their soft skills through constant monitoring and feedback. Team-building exercises help to bring team members closer to each other and iron out the gaps and awkwardness.
Soft skills will be the edge that an employee may need to prepare for the next version of the modern workplace, which is defined by technology and automation.
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