Are Leaders Getting “Soft”?

By Candace Fisher, SPHR, Director, Organizational Development/Certified Coach
Published January 14, 2025

In today’s fast-paced work environment, the importance of soft skills, or people skills, for organizational leaders is not emphasized enough. We often promote or hire supervisors and managers for their technical abilities, while minimizing or ignoring their ability to lead and motivate others. Effective leaders not only guide their teams toward achieving goals but also foster an environment of engagement and growth. Two critical components of this dynamic are engagement and coaching, which are indispensable in nurturing a thriving workplace culture.

Engagement is about creating a connection between leaders and their teams. Engaged employees are more productive, innovative, and committed to their organization. It’s essential for leaders to cultivate this engagement by actively listening, providing feedback, and recognizing contributions. This fosters trust and a sense of belonging, which in turn drives team performance.

Coaching, on the other hand, is a vital tool for leaders. It goes beyond traditional management; it’s about empowering team members to reach their full potential. Coaching embodies values such as collaboration, innovation, growth, and building strong relationships. In an era where the workforce prioritizes these values, leaders must adapt by embracing a coaching approach.

To help leaders enhance their coaching skills, we are excited to announce two upcoming training sessions.

"The Engaging Leader" on January 28 focuses on strategies to foster engagement within teams. This session emphasizes the need to connect with team members, leading to higher morale and productivity.

"The Coaching Leader" on February 20 will equip leaders with practical coaching skills. This hands-on workshop, developed by experienced executive coaches, presents a straightforward, effective coaching model that can be implemented immediately. Leaders will leave with the confidence and skills necessary to coach with impact.

Developing the soft skills of leadership and supervision is crucial for today’s leaders. Engaging and coaching are not just buzzwords – they’re essential practices that lead to a thriving workplace culture. We encourage you to take part in these transformative training sessions to enhance your leadership capabilities and drive success in your organization.