The Future Belongs to Soft Skills and Critical Thinkers

Soft skills are having a moment. Or maybe they always deserved one, and it’s about time!

I recently came across a post from Harvard Business Review that stopped me mid-scroll. The caption summed it up perfectly: “In a world where technical skills fade fast, foundational skills—like collaboration, critical thinking, and adaptability—are emerging as the true drivers of long-term success.”

According to HBR (to paraphrase), after analyzing 70 million career transitions, researchers found that people who excel at collaboration, critical thinking, and adaptability don’t just earn more. They learn faster, bounce back quicker, and thrive when industries shift. Their takeaway was simple but powerful: "Hire for potential, not just proficiency—and invest early in communication, problem-solving, and teamwork from day one."

That hit home for me. While technology keeps reshaping what we do, it’s our ability to think critically, adapt, and connect that determines how we navigate change. And really how we navigate the world. In my work, I see this every day. Pivots, perspective, and what some refer to as EQ are the name of the game.

But, as a parent, it hits even closer to home. How do we prepare the next generation for this? My husband and I are intentional about helping our 13-year-old build critical thinking, analytical skills, and strong communication. When he comes to us with info, our first question is usually some version of: “Where did you hear or read that?” If the answer is a one-word shrug, we say: “Tell me more.” And yes, helping him understand that the world isn’t just about him or us reinforces teamwork, community, and perspective.

The future workforce will still need coders and analysts, sure (or will it?). But it will thrive on curiosity, communication, adaptability, and discernment...the very skills we’ve too often dismissed as “soft.”

Maybe these so-called “soft skills” need a rebrand. They’re not soft, they’re sustainable.  And they’re the foundation for everything that comes next.

What do you think, are we doing enough to teach, model, and reward these skills in workplaces and schools?