I believe we have firmly entered the age of the soft-skills. No longer is technical competence and routine ability going to set you up for success. We are now craving a softer world; one where our humanity is recognized. We are searching for meaning in our work and requiring purpose to feel fulfilled.
So what has changed? As Daniel Pink puts it, we are now in an age of abundance. If you are middle class you have everything you could ask for and more when it comes to your ability to survive. We have roofs over our heads, cars in our garages, computers and iPads and TV’s everywhere. We may worry about money from time-to-time but in general, we are no longer in a battle to survive.
Instead, we now have the space to concentrate on what it takes to what I call, truly Thrive. We now have a desire to keep growing and are actively seeking out a feeling of fulfillment that takes us well beyond mere survival. This inevitability leads us back to what distinguishes us from our environment – that is our humanity. The keys in our search for meaning and purpose lie in our ability to feel, to think creatively, to inspire others, to be artistic and to connect. They don’t lie in robotic behavior that can be replicated by a computer program or a machine. Fulfillment can ultimately only be found in the world of soft-skills.
As increasing numbers of the workforce are starting to demand a sense of purpose and meaning in what they do, organizations are intimately effected by this changing atmosphere. In order to stay competitive, and keep a workforce engaged, organizations need to come from a softer place than they have previously. The new generation are no longer tolerating being treated like a cog in a giant machine. In order to motivate this new generation there needs to be an increased focus on our humanity. Employees need to feel they are genuinely cared for as people, respected for their worth, and contributing to something meaningful. And as a workforce, organizations need teams that are creative, adaptable, engaged and unique. All of these things come from embracing and developing the soft stuff.
In a world where there is now a widespread search for meaning, how we feel is becoming increasingly important. The middle class is no longer focused on fulfilling the necessities of life, and the new generation of employees are demanding jobs that matter. Increasingly, we are asking ourselves questions like what am I here for? and how do I live my best life? We are not content with a life without purpose. And that sense of purpose ultimately can only be fulfilled through the feeling-based stuff. It comes from an ability to connect with other people, to make a difference in their lives, and to appreciate the wonder and beauty in the world. In order for businesses to stay successful, they are going to have to adjust to the changing demands of their employees and society in general and embrace the age of the soft-skills.
Hi. I’m Kate Snowise, and Thrive.How is my business-baby. I’m a Well-Being Coach and Organizational Psychologist who helps both individual’s and organization’s thrive. I offer individual coaching that specifically helps people clarify their thinking, grow into their potential and regain balance. I also offer organizational consulting to help modern day businesses stay on top of the game, and keep their employees happy. Click here to learn more.
To download a copy of my free mini-guide – 8 Tips Towards Creating a Thriving Life – click here.