What are the soft skills that compliment digital-tech skills?
As a professional talent agency specialising in the technology game, we’re always curious about the dynamic interface between humans and tech. Some of us naturally interact, even thrive when working with technology while others may prefer to avoid the structured world of protocol and binary code. I would be the first to say the thought of using my analytical side of my brain for sustained periods of time is uninspiring (#lack of passion). Is that because I’m not analytically minded (#one of my lesser talents)? Or am I concerned I would find working in a technical capacity lonely with not enough interaction with others (#unsuitable work environment)? Perhaps I believe ‘technology’ is taking away too many of our jobs with automation (#values misalignment)?
To work in/with technology in a technical capacity (i.e., as a software engineer) it’s like any other occupation. It’s best to ensure the industry, the organisation and the role would align with your passions, strengths, preferred work environment and values. If you don’t feel a role like this wouldn’t tick ALL your boxes, perhaps consider other industries or occupations that would. Alternatively, the software engineer role might align perfectly with your talents, strengths, and passions, although your organisation might not be aligned to your values or isn’t offering your preferred work environment (or culture)?
What about the hard tech/digital skills?
If you’re considering kick-starting/transitioning your career into technology/ICT I wouldn’t be concerned if you possess the hard tech/digital skills or not. The majority of hard-tech skills are coachable. E.g., if you don’t know HTML, you can learn it. If you’ve never heard of the SSL Protocol, you could complete a Network Security training course. If you’re curious or passionate about it, in most cases you can develop these tech skills and even apply them to build knowledge. This may seem odd to some. Especially for those who find learning anything technical difficult. If this is the case, ask yourself if you honestly find this hard-tech skill of genuine interest? Are you passionate and/or curious about this skill? And what could you achieve with this skill? If you’re uncertain, this might be why you’re finding it ‘difficult’. Perhaps alternative hard-tech skills that are bit more aligned with your curiosity/passions/values might be more of interest once you explore further.
What are the soft skills which might compliment my hard tech/digital skills?
It’s often dependent on the employers needs (i.e. their services, products, industry, team dynamics, job design, etc). The APAC Digital Skills Index 2020 Report (AlphaBeta, commissioned by Amazon Web Services) has forecasted the following soft skills would complement the preferred hard-tech/digital skills:
· Critical thinking
· Problem solving
· Communication
· Ethics
· Project management
Although there are many other soft skills & talents which entice employers.
Are soft skills coachable?
You’ll find there are conflicting answers to this question. We believe if you’re keen to learn a soft skill and depending on what this soft skill is, you might find you need more than curiosity or passion to master the skill. For example, if you’re interested in enhancing your ‘empathy’ skill set, we usually recommend you explore if ‘empathy’ is one of your natural abilities or talents. If not, consider focusing on other soft skills which might align more with your innate natural abilities. Yes, you can complete ‘empathy’ training, which can help most of us with building a level of (self?) awareness, but if you’re not naturally empathetic the likelihood of you thriving in this space is lower than those that are. Of course, there are proven studies and theories that disagree with this premise. Although in our experience we find focusing on our natural talents and strengths produces greater success and fulfilment.
How can I define my own natural abilities and talents?
It’s easier than you think. As your talent agent we can take you through steps to unearth your talents, strengths and potential. We then partner with you while you plan your new and exciting career trajectory. For further insight about our unique career coaching and talent representation services (some FOC) please contact me on benarmstrong@greenlitgroup.com.