Stop Talking About Soft Skills!(09/2/2025)

Happy Tuesday!

If you are in the U.S., welcome back to work after a long weekend. Regardless of where you live, I’ve written some thoughts below about the word work. 😊

I’m also writing about the term “soft skills” – which are most often what I share with you here – but I don’t use the word. Now you will know why.

Speaking of the term “soft skills”, that is in large part what we explore during Virtual LeaderCon. If you haven’t yet registered (for free), now is your chance. I’m willing to bet that joining us for some of this live event will be one of the most meaningful things you do for your development as a leader (and human) this year.

Make it a great Tuesday and remember …

You are Remarkable!

Kevin 😊

Considering Labor Day

Yesterday in the U.S. (in case you missed it), we celebrated Labor Day. Labor Day may have lost its original meaning for many, since practically it is a long weekend to signify the end of summer. Officially though, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. The holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being.

My take: I think we should celebrate each other and enjoy the day off - but let’s not just celebrate those who labor, but labor itself.

Labor, or its more common name, work.

We all have feelings about “work.” Some call it a four-letter word (officially, it is). Some say they work too hard (and some do, but many, not so much). And many talk about work/life balance only as a way to say they are working too much (people don’t talk about work/life balance as a commentary about too little work).

We all need to remember that work is good.

Work can bring meaning, pride, and a sense of accomplishment. Work can accomplish great things in our personal and professional lives. Work, done well, is good for both body and soul.

Those who love their work are happier and more fulfilled. Those who love their work tend to live longer. Those who work (hard and smart) accomplish more in all areas of their lives.

Yes, there is such a thing as “too much of a good thing.” We can work too hard and for too many hours.

The “day” might be over, but we can celebrate the idea and act of laboring – and the value of work itself, and the acting of working too.

Note: This was modified from our Your Remarkable Day newsletter that publishes every Monday/Wednesday/Friday. If you like what you read, or just want more insights and inspiration from me, you can join us for free here.

Stop Talking About Soft Skills!

Warning – This might read like a rant from a guy who has been in the business of developing people and leaders for a long time. While there might be a rant tone to what follows, the points I hope to make are important and timeless. I’m writing it to you personally – I hope that you rethink your personal perspective on the topic. And I am writing this to organizations to help them rethink their beliefs and approaches to what up-until-now have been called “soft skills.”

KEEP READING

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