A balancing act for success

...we can easily verify diplomas and certificates. But measurable things are not the only ones that matter in life. And very often, it is the not-so-easily-measurable skills that allow people to make the most of the formal qualifications.

The difference between hard skills and soft skills

This, in essence, is the difference between “hard skills” and “soft skills.” Hard skills typically refer to our technical competences. They are typically skills that are taught through educational and training programs. And they can usually be measured unambiguously through questions that have “one correct answer.” This is why skill development programs typically conclude with an evaluation that seeks to determine whether a participant has successfully acquired the skills being transmitted.

Soft skills are far more difficult to objectively quantify, partly because their application is often situation-specific. The effectiveness of our communication pertains to our ability to transmit and explain ideas and concepts in a way that delivers the outcome we seek to achieve. But the “right recipe” for effective communication can depend significantly ... continue for full article