In-demand for 2019: Soft Skills

Be flexible. Understanding. Encouraging. Maybe even a few extra milliseconds of eye contact. It will go far.

LinkedIn came out with their 2019 list for the most in-demand skills—and you had better pay attention. In this marketing-driven PR world of persuasion and influence, it’s not surprising that soft skills are highly valued. Emotional, compelling, nurturing you to make the best choice in a torrential wave of options. ‘Tis true, hard skills are ridiculously necessary for the doctors, lawyers, scientists and financiers of the world; you don’t want your doctor to prove his trustworthiness by showing you his number of followers on Insta or bringing in his agent to tell you he’s the best candidate for the role of listening to your wheezy lungs.

“Creativity is always the leader.”

As touted by the global digital strategist of Alibaba this year, Creativity is always the leader. We’ve had our technology revolution (which is a recurring disruptor for all of time) and next on the radar of marketers for the future, is a creativity revolution. All the numbers and data and analytics that we have provide substantial proof as to WHERE to channel your message, but if your message runs flat and unemotional, it’s just chatter. To all the marketing professionals out there, invest in the personality. Invest in the voice. Dress yourself differently. Put on the tight pants. Everyone and no one is watching.

The LinkedIn data: 57% of senior leaders say soft skills are more important than hard skills.

Here’s what they need most and why:

1. Creativity

Why it matters, in one sentence: While robots are great at optimizing old ideas, organizations most need creative employees who can conceive the solutions of tomorrow.

2. Persuasion

Why it matters, in one sentence: Having a great product, a great platform or a great concept is one thing, but the key is persuading people to buy into it.

3. Collaboration

Why it matters, in one sentence: As projects grow increasingly more complex and global in the age of AI, effective collaboration only grows more important.

4. Adaptability*

Why it matters, in one sentence: An adaptable mind is an essential tool for navigating today’s ever-changing world, as yesterday’s solutions won’t solve tomorrow’s problems.

5. Time Management

Why it matters, in one sentence: A timeless skill, mastering time management today will serve you the rest of your career.

*According to Strengthsfinder 2.0, this is my number one strength. I enjoy it, I’ve got the energy for it and most of all, I understand how nothing is forever. Agile methodology may be messy, but also insanely productive.