The views expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their very own.
Flip through a college textbook or business seminar on the traits of an effective leader, and phrases like “analytical agility,” “restless ingenuity,” and “willpower” are likely to jump to the forefront. But in my experience, overemphasizing these (often admirable, in fact) traits is a mistake. I’ve found that empathy, compassion, and caring have a much greater impact on a company’s success—and that practicing these “soft skills” while running my very own businesses has allowed me to attain the level of success I have today.
Such skills are broadly defined as the ways in which we relate and work with others, and effective communication and the completion of complex tasks rely on their skillful application, so practicing them routinely in the workplace is invaluable. According to research conducted by LinkedIn“92% of talent professionals say they are as important or more important than hard skills when hiring, and 80% say they are increasingly important to a company’s success.”
I could not agree more.
Not everyone has the talent to be a leader, but a deep understanding of communication, problem-solving, and an open mind add value to any skilled. And these skills extend beyond the workplace, impacting every aspect of life.
1. Empathy
This term is defined as the ability to practice awareness of other people’s emotions and try to know their experiences and perspectives. It requires a certain level of maturity, but it makes a huge difference in the willingness of staff to interact—it strengthens a sense of purpose and trust.
I have seen and experienced suffering throughout my travels around the world, and selecting not to disregard circumstances aside from my very own—attempting to put myself in another person’s shoes—taught me a deep sense of humility. It also inspired me to start out many of the businesses I run today, which might not exist without the ability to see beyond my very own limitations.
To adopt empathy, listening is key, as is not valuing your personal work over that of your employees. So make an effort to make those around you are feeling heard. (Therapy and business coaching might be great support in this effort.) Empathy is a skill that should be practiced!
2. Compassion
The desire to take motion to assist others, compassion differs from empathy in that it is not merely an awareness of the perspectives of others, but a disposition to serve them. It is an application of empathy.
One way I practice this is by allowing employees to bring pets and children into the workplace—to empathize with situations they have no control over (e.g., a babysitter cancels a meeting at the last minute). By opening up the workspace to what some might consider “unusual,” my goal is to assist in the best way I can.
Practicing compassion builds a more inclusive company culture that promotes a stronger work ethic by celebrating diversity, and reflecting on your personal experiences of hardship and adversity is key. Take time to evaluate how others’ compassion for you has had a positive impact, and assess how you may do the same for your staff members.
3. Adaptability
In easy terms, it is the ability to approach change with openness and understanding. When I think of this word, I often think of it in the context of developing latest health and wellness products and assume that things won’t at all times go in line with plan. I have to try many different approaches/recipes to get the balance right, which is also true in many other elements of business, comparable to hiring and workflow. By entering into a enterprise with a deliberate focus on change sensitivity and readiness, achievement becomes much more likely.
Successful adaptation requires patience and calm, and I have found meditation to be incredibly helpful in cultivating a positive attitude, but your perspective at work is equally essential. Remember that irrespective of what, you are lucky and have the skills to make use of. If you truly consider in this concept and stick with it, there is no challenge that can’t be overcome.
4. Integrity
This is one of the most significant interpersonal skills to practice when running a business. It is an unabashed commitment to acting in accordance with morals and values, requiring honesty, fairness, and a great deal of introspection. As a CEO, you may be put on a pedestal, so the importance of uncompromising honesty is enormous: you have to simply accept your mistakes and look failure in the eye without cheating on your values. In my experience, the knowledge gained from failure far outweighs the easy success at the expense of morality.
That said, I know the temptation when someone is in a situation that seems unforgiving, and the staff is depending on the success of the company to make a living. It might be terrifying. But there is at all times a selection—the likelihood to not compromise for financial gain. At the end of the day, you may forgive yourself for failure, but never for intentional wrongdoing. You will need a strong sense of purpose, because your ethics might be tested often.
Don’t assume soft skills will come easily; they are developed over time. Anyone can get a degree, but not everyone can effectively practice empathy, compassion, adaptability, and integrity, but they are essential to running a business and living a glad, healthy life.