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- Back to those Soft Skills...
Back to those Soft Skills...
Plus: Awesome Habits + WEF report
🎙️ Did You Know? On this day in 2009, Chesley Sullenberger successfully landed US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River, saving all passengers and crew members in what became known as the "Miracle on the Hudson."
Sullenberger's quick thinking and exceptional skill in the face of crisis proved that expertise and preparation can make all the difference. By continually honing your skills, you can achieve extraordinary results even in the most challenging circumstances.
Soft skills Update
Filling the human gap
When we talk about upskilling, people always focus on learning new technologies and tools, but one of the best investments you can make in your career is to develop your "human-centric skills." They are often called "soft skills," but don't let the name fool you – they are anything but soft. These are the skills that make you not only good at your job but great at working with others.
Think empathy, communication, adaptability, creativity, and critical thinking. These are the kinds of abilities that help you connect, collaborate, and stand out in a world that’s more tech-driven than ever.
Why Do They Matter?
Technical know-how will get you through the door, but human-centric skills are what keep you there. According to LinkedIn, skills like creativity, adaptability, and emotional intelligence are some of the most in-demand for the future. And here’s a kicker: Developing these skills doesn’t just help you, it helps entire economies grow (yes, really).
So, if you’re looking to thrive in your career, it’s time to get intentional about building these skills.
The following are our honest suggestions, no affiliate links or kickbacks apply.
Start Building Your Foundation
RoadMap has some good guides on how to build your EQ, but let's review the basics.
Communication Is Key
Practice Active Listening: Focus entirely on what the other person is saying, without interrupting. Reflect back to show you understand.
Write It Out: Start a journal, blog, or even thoughtful emails to improve how you articulate ideas.
đź’ˇPro Tip: Try a public speaking group like Toastmasters to build confidence.
Critical Thinking
Ask Why: Get curious and question assumptions. Dive deeper into problems to uncover smarter solutions.
Solve Strategically: Play games like chess or puzzles that challenge your reasoning.
As with any skill, the secret to mastering soft skills is practice, especially purpose-driven practice, and repeatedly testing your abilities not only to evaluate yourself but to show your team partners and managers what you are capable of.
FE Online
The global job market is on the cusp of transformative change, driven by technological advancements, demographic shifts, and economic pressures. By 2030, 170 million new jobs are expected to emerge, but 92 million roles will be displaced, leaving a net gain of 78 million positions. This evolution, highlighted in the Future of Jobs Report 2025 by the World Economic Forum, reflects a duality of opportunity and disruption.
The fastest-growing roles include essential positions like farm workers, delivery drivers, and nurses, as well as specialist roles in AI, renewable energy, and environmental engineering. These areas align with societal needs and the rise of sustainability and technology in industrial development. Conversely, roles such as cashiers, ticket clerks, or administrative assistants are declining rapidly due to automation and AI advancements.
A critical challenge is the widening skills gap. Nearly 40% of job-related skills will change by 2030, with employers increasingly seeking expertise in AI, big data, and cybersecurity alongside human-centric skills like creative thinking, adaptability, and resilience. However, 63% of businesses cite this gap as a major barrier to transformation.
Creating new habits is one of the most effective ways to build the skills you need to succeed, especially as responsibilities and workloads increase because it becomes harder to keep up with personal growth. That's where the Awesome Habits app on Setapp comes in, making it easier to track and maintain habits that align with your goals.
Awesome Habits is a powerful tool that helps you build and track habits over time, supporting your journey of self-improvement. Whether you're looking to drink more water, meditate daily, or learn to code, this app allows you to set up custom habits and schedule reminders that fit your routine. You can track your progress with personalized statistics and see your achievements grow. Plus, if you're an Apple user, the app syncs with the Health app to automatically track metrics like sleep, steps, and workouts.
The best part? It helps you stay on track even when life gets busy. By building small, manageable habits that fit into your day-to-day routine, Awesome Habits makes any long-term process feel more achievable. Learning new skills becomes less overwhelming when you can break them down into smaller, trackable actions.
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