“Soft Skills.” From this insidious expression arises perhaps the most dangerous misconception in business. Empathy, civility, communication, curiosity, and integrity are non-negotiable. They allow us to earn credibility, loyalty, and trust, forming the bedrock that supports an ethical culture and successful relationships. Cutting corners, exploiting loopholes, and ruthless opportunism may seem to pay off in the short-run; but this is a recipe for long-term disaster. Remember Enron? My friend and colleague Kimi Hirotsu Ziemski suggests renaming them “power skills,” thereby emphasizing how critical they are to creating a vibrant and healthy society in our workplaces and our communities.
