In today’s dynamic world of work, as much as digital and technical skills are a must for the majority of professionals, soft skills play an equally important role in career growth and effective leadership. The great thing about acquiring a variety of soft skills is that they can be used effectively in any working environment.

An estimated 20% of the workforce in the UK will be significantly underskilled for their jobs by 2030 – Build Empire 

This presents a worry for employers, as not only are they attempting to close the digital skills gap, but they will also be trying to ensure that their employees have all of the necessary soft skills for success. 

As much as communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills are very important when establishing your career and flourishing within the workplace, there are a range of important soft skills that go under the radar, which are very important when emerging as a leader in the workplace; what are they?

Teachability 

Being well-equipped in your skillset is a huge bonus for any employer, team member, and ultimately for yourself. However, it’s not a bad thing to admit that you don’t have all the answers and are open to learning. Being teachable means that you are open to feedback and criticism and, most importantly, react to it well. As a result of your teachability, you gain new skills and pass on your knowledge to others, enhancing your leadership skills. 

Overcoming failure 

This brings us to our next point: the ability to overcome failures. This is a crucial soft skill to have, and one that often gets overlooked. Throughout your career, you will encounter a number of situations where you face challenges, and some of the time, you may fall short of your expectations. 

Being able to successfully overcome failure will not only be an immense skill to possess, but you will leave a good impression among team members. To

Risk taking 

Leadership in the workplace is very much about setting the right tone and leading by example; however, there comes a time where it is necessary to take risks to achieve a desired result. Sometimes, risks can go in your favour, or they can backfire. However, your desire or attitude towards taking *necessary* risks will showcase your leadership skills. 

Dependability 

Your dependability as an employee is vital for your career growth. This is not only for you but also for your fellow team members and your employer. Ensuring you can be relied upon to complete tasks or fill in when necessary is a great quality to possess and shows you are a team player. 

Time Management 

When attributing time management to the workplace, it can be easy to think only of turning up for work on time or being punctual to meetings. However, when time management is used effectively, it can be a great help towards project management and prioritising tasks. 

For instance, in a project management position or as a recruitment consultant, you will likely encounter a number of meetings in a day. By being able to utilize your time management skills effectively, you can delegate duties to team members or plan out your meetings accordingly while staying on top of everything. 

Human Connection 

In the fast-paced world of working and the demands it brings, it can be very easy to forget how it can affect us as humans. Being able to build a human connection with your employees or team members sends out the message that you are approachable and can be a support system should they require it. Building relationships with team members can also boost team harmony and collaboration. 

If you’re looking for a new role, visit our jobs page, where you’ll find the latest roles across sectors, including Digital Marketing, Ecommerce, CRM, Social Media, and more. 

Are you based in Lancaster, UK, and looking for opportunities in recruitment? We’re hiring! Please send your CV to info@blu-digital.co.uk for further consideration.