Soft Skills, A pledge of performance or a passing fad?

 The term “soft skills” can sometimes be difficult to fully grasp. It refers to cross-functional, non-technical, human, or interpersonal qualities — in contrast to “hard skills” which are more technical abilities. Literally translated into French, soft skills would mean “compétences molles” or “douces,” which does not accurately reflect their true meaning or importance. More specifically,  Hard skills refer to technical abilities and specific knowledge that can be learned through education, training, or professional experience. These skills are measurable and often certified. Examples include programming languages, data analysis, foreign languages, accounting, or the use of specialized software. Hard skills are usually listed on resumes and are essential for performing job-specific tasks. On the other hand, S oft skills relate to personal attributes and interpersonal abilities. These include communication, teamwork, leadership, emotional intelligence, problem-solving, a...

The popularity of soft skills certification programs is expected to grow. To date, many business schools are using these frameworks to reassess their traditional academic programs and incorporate skill components developed in professional settings. One of the stated objectives is to achieve equal recognition between academic qualifications and those obtained through the recognition and validation of professional experience. From a personal perspective, soft skills such as communication, self-confidence, empathy, and time management help individuals build stronger relationships and improve self-awareness. They contribute to better decision-making and increased emotional intelligence, which are essential for personal well-being and resilience. Within organizations, soft skills directly impact teamwork, leadership, and workplace culture. Employees with strong interpersonal skills are better at resolving conflicts, collaborating with diverse teams, and adapting to change. Leaders who pos...

 As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to transform industries, the role of soft skills is becoming even more significant. While AI can automate tasks, analyze data, and improve efficiency, it cannot replace human qualities such as empathy, creativity, and ethical judgment. In the digital age, nearly all employees have access to the same tools and information. What truly sets them apart is their ability to solve problems, collaborate effectively, and make decisions. The rise of artificial intelligence raises many questions and is seen as a double-edged sword. On one hand, automation is expected to eliminate jobs and replace human labor with machines. On the other hand, it brings about a transformation of professions, pushing major companies to invest in training and develop new competencies in order to adapt to market demands. Rather than replacing soft skills, AI highlights their importance. The future of work depends on a synergy between technical expertise, AI literacy, an...

 One of the recurring questions about soft skills concerns their legitimacy. Is it just a passing trend, or is it the genuine rise of these non-technical competencies? The development of soft skills proves to be essential in order to adapt to the many emerging changes in today’s highly competitive market, and the demand for training in these areas continues to grow in the labor market (Hendarman and Cantner, 2018). These behavioral competencies are therefore a considerable asset for achieving better performance. They also serve as a lever for competitiveness for companies, enabling them to interact flexibly with their environment (Ibrahim et al., 2017; Seetha, 2014). Globalization, digital transformation, and cultural diversity further accelerated the importance of soft skills. Organizations needed employees who could communicate across cultures, adapt to rapid change, and think creatively in complex situations. This evolution accelerated with the emergence of what is known as th...