Nowadays, employability goes beyond what kind of degree and job experience one has. More than ever, employers value soft skills – the traits and attributes a person embodies that make them easier to work with. 

Soft skills encompass everything from being friendly and driven to being resilient or perceptive. Basically, the underlying qualities that make you so great are extremely valuable in the workplace. How grand!

So, with this rise in recognition of soft skills, what are the ones workplaces deem exceptionally valuable? At Pathways Australia, our team are experts in providing organisations with advice and support to help you succeed. With a range of courses that help non-profits build up their productivity and team culture, we know a thing or two about the characteristics that create a successful and harmonious work environment. These are the four soft skills we believe are essential to every employee for 2023:

1. Emotional Intelligence 

Emotional intelligence – also commonly referred to as EQ – is what allows us to develop and maintain healthy, productive relationships. While emotional intelligence is a key component within our personal lives, it’s also an essential soft skill to have in the workplace. 

The ability to read the cues of others, understand diversity, work collaboratively with colleagues, negotiate differences, and resolve conflict are just a few of the competencies emotional intelligence encompasses. With EQ, team members can be more aware of their interactions and anticipate potential emotional stressors in advance. This, in turn, helps to build successful relationships between coworkers and clients – benefiting everyone.

Emotional intelligence also develops higher morale in the workplace, which can lead to increased performance. The course offered by Pathways Australia teaches organisations how to develop EQ through self-reflection and self-assessment, allowing employees to become better team players and impact their workplace positively. 

2. Conflict Management

Conflict management is another key tool for fostering a healthy, productive workplace. Knowing how to navigate conflict proactively prevents minor issues from escalating and allows us to engage in creative problem-solving that ultimately leads to better work relationships throughout the team and organisation. It’s truly an invaluable soft skill to have in both work and life. 

Knowing when and how to intervene in conflict not only preserves the mental health of employees but also protects the reputation of organisations by limiting potential issues. Conflict management skills enable leaders and team members to make sure that conflict resolution is fair and equitable while avoiding mediation that can be costly emotionally, and mentally, fiscally, and time-wise in the long run.

At Pathways Australia, we teach a range of tactics through various courses that help organisations learn general management tactics as well as conflict resolution – helping you to keep your team happy and productive!

3. Problem-Solving 

Problem-solving and critical thinking generally go hand in hand as crucial and invaluable soft skills to possess. Problem-solving skills are essential within the workplace, especially in leadership positions. Effective communication, critical thinking and decision-making are long-term benefits of problem-solving skills. Having problem-solving leaders within the workplace also encourages collaboration and innovation and fosters an environment of respect.

Great leadership also promotes problem-solving capabilities and communication skills – a crucial component of any workplace. But ultimately, leadership is essential for creating a pleasant working atmosphere where everyone can achieve their highest potential! 

By being an employee who demonstrates leadership qualities in their everyday work, you set yourself apart and showcase your enthusiasm and drive. And for organisations, having employees who understand how to use leadership tactics can significantly affect your overall operations and team morale!

The leadership course offered by Pathways Australia teaches managers and staff a range of techniques to influence and inspire their peers. From critical thinking and problem-solving to motivating people and promoting prime performance, anyone in a middle to senior-level role can learn to embody the crucial soft skill that is leadership!

4. Managing Difficult Behaviours

The last but not least of our most essential soft skills for 2023 is knowing how to manage difficult behaviours. Unfortunately, people who display difficult behaviours will always be present, so it’s important to know how to diffuse unproductive and harmful habits in the workplace. This soft skill is paramount for keeping the peace within an organisation.

Managing people with difficult behaviours is an essential soft skill for any leader, team member, or professional to have in the workplace. Being able to proactively recognise and mitigate potentially problematic behaviour in a strong yet tactful manner is an invaluable asset, as it can help contribute to a healthy and productive work environment. This skill also helps teams to understand one another’s different experiences and improve collaboration.

At Pathways Australia, our range of courses help organisations to develop their team member’s soft skills – qualities that are critical in cultivating a prosperous work environment. To find the course right for you or for more information, contact us today!