We are all living in the 4th industrial age, where the boundaries between the digital, physical, and biological worlds are becoming increasingly thin. This revolution comprises a range of technologies, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, genetic engineering, quantum computing, 3D printing, and more.
However, the 4th Industrial Age is not just about technology. It presents an opportunity to help people of all incomes, social groups, and nations. The purpose of this revolution is to use emerging technologies to create an inclusive and human-centered future. To achieve this, we need to focus not just on technology, but also on enhancing people’s ability to positively impact their families, organizations, and communities. This demands soft skills like problem-solving, communication, critical thinking, creativity, and empathy, in addition to role-specific technical skills.
Last year, soft skills were featured in 78% of jobs posted globally. Nowadays, skills like leadership and management have become much bigger priorities for most companies. Employees equipped with soft skills are important for organizations to adapt and compete in a way that machines can’t.
Read More:Â Need for skill development and entrepreneurial mindset among students at an early age
What are Soft Skills?
Soft skills are personal attributes, social abilities, and non-technical skills that enable individuals to interact effectively and harmoniously with others. They are often called “people skills” and include communication, teamwork, critical thinking, adaptability, creativity, and leadership traits.
Benefits of Soft Skills for School Students?
1. Improved Academic Performance
Soft skills enhance students’ ability to communicate clearly, collaborate with peers on projects, and think critically about academic subjects.
2. Preparation for Future Careers
 Employers highly seek these skills as they reflect a student’s ability to work well in a team, adapt to new situations, and solve complex problems.
3. Enhanced Personal Development
Soft skills like empathy, resilience, and time management contribute to students’ emotional intelligence and well-being.
4. Effective Communication
Students with solid and soft skills can express their ideas clearly, listen actively, and engage in meaningful discussions, which is beneficial in academic and personal contexts.
5. Leadership Potential
Soft skills like leadership and decision-making empower students to take on leadership roles within school clubs, teams, or other extracurricular activities.
6. Preparation for the Modern World
In a rapidly changing world, soft skills such as adaptability and creativity equip students to thrive in diverse environments and tackle challenges with innovative solutions.
7. Positive Relationships
Soft skills foster positive relationships among students, teachers, and peers, creating a supportive and collaborative learning environment.
Here are a few more reasons why soft skills training is important for Indian students to survive and perform efficiently in the 4th Industrial Age:
1. Career longevity
While hard and technical skills may provide a job, soft skills ensure career durability, sustainability, and professional growth. According to LinkedIn’s 2019 global talent trend reports, 89% of recruiters reported that hires don’t work out due to a lack of soft skills. Soft skills help students gain flexibility and agility, allowing them to evolve with technology and work.
Skills such as building positive relationships, resolving conflicts, and discovering win-win situations help students retain their positions at the workplace. A positive mindset helps students grow consistently and acquire field-specific knowledge, increasing their possibility of retention. Skills such as planning, organizing, and self-assessment help students continually analyze gaps, come up with solutions, and manage tasks effectively.
2. Essential for remote work
Since the pandemic, companies are now shifting to hybrid or remote work models. When a team is not physically together, communication and collaboration become top skills to succeed in the virtual world. Communication skills are important for conveying ideas clearly to coworkers and clients. Additionally, it can be challenging to pay attention or stay focused in a virtual setup, so students with active listening skills are invaluable.
Remote work can also have many distractions such as household work, pets, and family members that need attention. In such cases, managing deadlines and workload becomes difficult, so time management skills help conquer success. Students who will be seeking jobs should keep in mind that remote positions are in demand. There is a crowd with technical skills outside, but by highlighting their soft skills, students can get the jobs they want.
3. Improves workplace productivity
Soft skills help students see problems in a different and creative way. If students face any issues in their workplace and spend time waiting for instruction, they may reduce productivity. Employees’ accountability and problem-solving skills increase overall company productivity.
Additionally, people tend to get annoyed when they are exposed outside of their comfort zone. Soft skills provide students with the ability to adjust themselves to a new environment while maintaining their productivity. There will always be different points of view and opinions; soft skills like critical thinking will help students understand and respect those opinions and make wise decisions.
4. Improves self-confidence
Soft skills enable students to make better decisions, think critically, and manage emotions, which boosts their self-confidence. Additionally, such confidence will boost other team members’ morale too. When hiring for positions, employers look for candidates who are confident in representing their ideas.
Such confidence makes students an integral part of any team. Also, soft skills and confidence are crucial for negotiating and being more assertive in the workplace. Confidence is also essential for taking success and failure positively and boldly. Confident students are often self-motivated and approach every situation positively, which contributes to a better work culture.
Also Read: Prepare your students for These 8 future jobs
5. Increases the ability to take initiative
Following others’ instructions or doing allotted tasks is not a difficult job; many people can do that. People who make consistent progress in their personal and professional lives carry the ability to take initiative. Soft skills help students take the initiative at their workplace and influence others to do the same.
Problem-solving skills and a positive attitude encourage students to take on new projects and grab opportunities. Soft skills also help students implement their ideas and convert them into action. Students can showcase how they can independently address issues. Such skills inspire students to become entrepreneurs or develop an entrepreneurial mindset.
6. Ways to develop soft skills
The first step to take is self-assessment. Students need to recognize and acknowledge areas where they need to improve themselves. This can be done through self-reflection, evaluating their academic and social performance, and seeking feedback from peers and teachers.
After analyzing the gap between career goals and skills, make an action plan according to your vision and goals. Also, discuss with your mentors which soft skills you need to develop. Identify online and offline courses that are suitable for your convenience and financial budget. You can also take the help of skilled peers.
Conclusion
Soft skills training is very essential for students as it helps them decide and achieve their desired goals. Soft skills training provides opportunities for career advancements and helps improve public speaking, presentation, and listening skills. Soft skills are also important for understanding one’s and others’ emotions. It teaches students how to grow and maintain positive professional attitudes and develop relationships in the workplace in this 4th industrial age.
Read More: What is the Role of Soft Skills and Cultural Fit in Interviews?
FAQ
1. Why is learning and practising soft skills important for school kids?
Learning and practicing soft skills is crucial for school kids as these skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, are essential for success in academics and future careers. They improve academic performance by fostering better collaboration and understanding and laying the foundation for effective interpersonal relationships, resilience, and adaptability in an ever-changing world. Soft skills empower students to navigate challenges, work well with others, and become well-rounded individuals prepared for diverse opportunities.
2. What is the objective of soft skill training for school students?
Soft skill training for school students aims to equip them with essential interpersonal and life skills beyond academic knowledge. These skills, including communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving, aim to prepare students for success in their future careers and personal lives. Soft skill training helps students develop confidence, empathy, resilience, and the ability to effectively navigate diverse social and professional environments.
3. What are the 7 soft skills for students?
Soft skills are crucial for students as they enhance their ability to communicate effectively, collaborate with others, and think critically. These skills improve academic performance and prepare students for success in various aspects of life, such as future careers and personal relationships. By cultivating soft skills like adaptability and leadership, students become well-rounded individuals equipped to navigate challenges and excel in diverse environments.
4. What are the objectives of the skills training program?
The objectives of a skills training program are multifaceted, aiming to enhance participants’ competence, efficiency, and adaptability in their respective fields. By providing targeted training in technical, communication, and leadership skills, these programs seek to cultivate a proficient, innovative, collaborative workforce. Ultimately, the goal is to foster personal and professional growth, empowering individuals to excel in their roles, navigate changes effectively, and contribute meaningfully to their organizations.
Social