I must admit that I get a little bristled when I hear someone refer dismissively to leadership as a soft skill. I believe there is a misconception, an assumption that soft skills are secondary, weak, or less essential than technical expertise. But let’s correct that right now.
What we’ve casually labeled “soft skills” aren’t soft at all; they’re skills of character—fundamental qualities that distinguish standard leaders from truly exceptional ones. When someone speaks contemptuously about soft skills, consider exactly what they’re undervaluing:
- Active Listening, Empathy, Verbal and Non-verbal Communication, Conflict Resolution—the foundations of interpersonal success.
- Self-awareness, Self-regulation, Humility, Adaptability, Resilience—cornerstones of emotional intelligence and personal growth.
- Motivation, Teamwork, Trust-building, Networking, Mentoring & Coaching—key ingredients for powerful team-building.
- Critical Thinking, Decision-making, Creativity, Visionary Thinking, Problem-solving—the strategic cognitive skills that define great leadership.
These qualities are not mere luxuries, simply nice to have in a leader or team member. Rather, they are traits that indicate maturity of character, emotional depth, empathy, and compassion—qualities incredibly challenging to develop. They define one’s ability to inspire, motivate, lead, and genuinely connect with people. These interpersonal skills determine the trust others will place in a leader and how effectively that leader will manage complexity and crisis.
Compare these to hard skills:
- Project Management, Financial Management, Data Analysis, Business Strategy, Risk Management
- Process Improvement, Resource Allocation, Quality Control, Supply Chain Management, Compliance Knowledge
- Software Proficiency, Cybersecurity Awareness, Technical Writing, Industry-Specific Knowledge, IT Infrastructure Management
- Scheduling, HR Management, Performance Measurement, Contract Negotiation, Training & Development
No doubt, these are vital—essential tools for operational success. Yet, given a choice, I’ll place my trust in a leader rich in character over a purely technically competent expert any day.
Leaders must excel in both skill sets, however, here’s the truth: the skills of leadership character are challenging precisely because they demand self-reflection, humility, and genuine personal growth. They can’t simply be taught by reading a manual or completing a quick online course. Technical skills, on the other hand, can usually be systematically learned, practiced, and mastered through dedicated study and experience.
Learn them both. Excel in both. And let’s retire the phrase “soft skills.” Instead, let’s recognize these traits as the essential foundation for leadership character, the hardest-to-master qualities that truly define exceptional leaders.
What’s one leadership character trait you have developed? How has it helped you in your work? Let us know in the comments!
