Technical Skills Get You Hired, But Soft Skills Drive Success

Technical skills can get your resume noticed, land interviews, and help you perform the core functions of your role. But when it comes to long-term career growth, team effectiveness, and a positive workplace culture, soft skills are the real game-changers.

We recently asked our LinkedIn community what they thought about impactful soft skills.

Which Soft Skill Has the Biggest Impact on Workplace Success?

Communication (54%)

Not surprisingly, communication topped the list. Effective communication is about more than just speaking clearly; it’s about:

• Active listening: Understanding your colleagues’ perspectives. 

• Clear expression: Sharing ideas in a way that’s concise, relevant, and actionable. 

• Collaboration: Ensuring everyone on the team is aligned and informed. 

Strong communication reduces mistakes, fosters trust, and helps teams work more efficiently. In a remote or hybrid world, where miscommunication can easily derail projects, this skill is more critical than ever.

Emotional Intelligence (21%)

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is often underestimated, but it’s essential for workplace harmony. It includes:

• Self-awareness: Recognizing your own emotions and how they affect decisions. 

• Empathy: Understanding colleagues’ feelings and motivations. 

• Relationship management: Handling interpersonal interactions thoughtfully. 

Leaders with high EQ build stronger teams, encourage engagement, and create environments where people feel valued. Even for individual contributors, EQ helps navigate office politics and respond to challenges with grace.

Adaptability (20%)

The modern workplace is constantly evolving, and technology, markets, and priorities shift rapidly. Adaptability is the ability to:

• Pivot quickly: Adjust strategies without losing momentum. 

• Learn continuously: Pick up new skills and knowledge as needed. 

• Stay resilient: Handle uncertainty and setbacks with composure. 

Employees who adapt well become problem-solvers and innovators, which is why adaptability is increasingly recognized as a must-have for long-term career success.

Conflict Resolution (5%)

While it received the smallest share of votes, conflict resolution remains crucial. Workplace conflict is inevitable, but unmanaged tension can harm productivity and morale. Effective conflict resolution involves:

• Addressing issues early: Preventing small problems from escalating. 

• Finding common ground: Negotiating solutions that satisfy all parties. 

• Maintaining relationships: Preserving trust even during disagreements. 

Teams that resolve conflicts constructively are more cohesive, creative, and motivated.

The Takeaway

Soft skills are essential to long-term success, serving as the foundation for sustainable career growth. While communication often leads the pack, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and conflict resolution work together to create healthy, productive workplaces. Investing in the development of these skills helps build stronger relationships with colleagues, navigate challenges with greater confidence, and ultimately enhance both career growth and leadership potential.