The World Economic Forum, popularly known as the Davos Forum, has devoted considerable attention to the topic of soft skills and their crucial role in the future of work. In its reports and studies, the Forum has consistently emphasized that these skills, far from being secondary, are increasingly essential for professional success in an increasingly automated and globalized world.

¿What are soft skills according to the Davos Forum?

The Forum defines soft skills as those social and emotional competencies that complement technical skills. These include:

• Critical and analytical thinking: the ability to evaluate information, solve complex problems, and make informed decisions.
• Creativity and innovation: the ability to generate new and original ideas, and to adapt to changing situations.
• Effective communication: the ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing, and to listen actively.
• Collaboration and teamwork: the ability to work with others to achieve common goals while respecting different perspectives.
• Leadership: the ability to influence others, motivate teams, and guide the organization toward success.
• Emotional intelligence: the ability to recognize and manage one’s own emotions, as well as those of others, to establish strong interpersonal relationships.

¿Why are soft skills so important according to the Davos Forum?

The Forum argues that soft skills are increasingly valued by companies due to several factors:

• Automation: as machines take over routine tasks, unique human skills, such as creativity and empathy, become more valuable.
• Globalization: increasingly collaborative and multicultural work demands intercultural communication skills and adaptation to different contexts.
• Complexity of problems: the challenges that organizations face are becoming more complex and require innovative solutions that only human beings can provide.

The future of soft skills according to the Davos Forum:

The Forum predicts that the importance of soft skills will continue to grow in the coming years. It is expected that future jobs will require a combination of technical and soft skills, and that those workers who can adapt to this new labor reality will have greater opportunities for success.

¿What does this imply for education and professional development?

The Davos Forum calls on educational institutions and companies to invest in the development of soft skills. This implies:

Reforming educational systems: incorporating programs that promote critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork.

Offering continuing education programs: training workers to acquire the new skills demanded by the labor market.

Fostering a culture of learning: creating work environments that encourage curiosity, innovation, and personal development.

In summary, the Davos Forum considers that soft skills are a key factor for personal and professional success in the future. By investing in the development of these competencies, individuals and organizations can be better prepared to face the challenges of a constantly changing world.