Two Must-Have Soft Skills for Every Working Professional

No matter how often we hear it, 90% of people still underestimate soft skills compared to hard skills—and that’s exactly why the remaining 10% are leading the world!

Simon Sinek, a leadership expert, author, and motivational speaker, rightly said, “Soft skills are the hard skills.”

And this couldn’t be more true. Technical know-how is relatively easier to learn because you receive structured guidance and can master it with practice. However soft skills are built over time and require self-awareness, continuous improvement, and real-world application. And if in case, your soft skills are weak, fast career growth or even financial success becomes difficult because you start missing out on networking and meaningful connections, must-haves for professional success.

This is exactly why soft skills are super important and among these, two stand out as particularly vital–

1. Decision-Making 
2. Presentation Skills

1. Decision-Making: The Skill That Saves Years

Every milestone is a result of decisions—some big, some small. The ability to make timely decisions isn’t just important; it’s the defining trait that separates high achievers from those who remain stuck.

Common Barriers to Decision-Making

• Fear of making the wrong choice → Leads to hesitation.
• Overanalyzing → Results in missed opportunities.
• Seeking too many opinions → Creates confusion instead of clarity.

If you are struggling with any of the above, it’s time to click the action button rather than hesitate, analyze, or seek opinions! 

Remember, there is nothing such as “perfect opportunity” because success comes from making choices and moving forward.

How to Improve Decision-Making?

1. Trust Available Knowledge

Having faith in yourself is very important to make decisions. You can’t ever be 100% certain beforehand or at the time of making a decision. Decisions can be made effectively with 60-70% of the necessary information.

2. Use the “5-5-5” Rule

If you get caught in overanalysis, try this out–

Before making a decision, ask:

• Will this matter in 5 days?
• Will this matter in 5 months?
• Will this matter in 5 years?

If the answer to these questions is impacting a short period of time, go for a quick decision. Or rather, trust your gut in these situations!

But if long-term consequences are involved, evaluate deeper; and discuss( only with the right people) if needed.

3. Make Small, Fast Decisions Daily

Just like practice perfects you in perfecting your hard skills, so is with Decision-making. This too is a skill that improves with practice. Simple choices, such as when to delegate tasks or how to structure a workday, help in building confidence for larger decisions. So, practice it daily. Take charge of your way!

Bonus tip

You can check out these courses, to polish your decision-making skills–  

• “Decision-Making and Scenarios” – University of London (Coursera)
• “Critical Thinking for Better Judgment and Decision-Making” – LinkedIn Learning

Here’s the link to access free courses:

• Course Name– Critical Thinking & Problem Solving (Coursera)

Link: https://www.coursera.org/

• Course Name– introduction to decision making (Alison)

Link: https://alison.com/course/introduction-to-decision-making

2. Presentation Skills: More Than Just Speaking Well

A lot of you may work super hard and excel in your field, yet your contributions go unnoticed. Why? 

Because you are unable to communicate their value effectively!

You may work extra hours every day but if you are not communicating what and how you are doing, it is of no use!

So, Why Presentation Matter?

A well-researched report, a great idea, or an important project will fail to create an impact if it is not communicated well. 

On the other hand, if you present your ideas clearly and confidently, you will get quick recognition and career growth, regardless of the amount of effort put into the actual work.

All of this is only because of perception. And especially in a professional setting, perception plays a crucial role. 

So, remember– It’s not just about what is known, it’s about how that knowledge is conveyed.

How to Improve Presentation Skills?

1. Simplify the Message

Focus on clarity. Your message should be clear enough for everyone in the room– it shall be that simple and clear!

You can structure your message into key points to make it digestible.

2. Practice in Front of a Mirror or Camera

This is something you’ve probably heard many times but rarely put into practice, so consider this a reminder and start now!

Observing oneself will help you identify your nervous habits like fidgeting, speaking too fast, or avoiding eye contact.

3. Study Great Communicators

Watching TED Talks and analyzing how speakers engage their audience could be helpful.

4. Use Stories Instead of Just Facts

People remember stories more than raw data. A compelling narrative makes a stronger impact than just statistics.

Why Presentation Skills Matter in Every Job?

1. Interviews: Confidence and clarity rule the outcome, not just qualifications.
2. Meetings: A strong presentation can make an idea stand out.
3. Salary Negotiations: Employers pay for perceived value, and clear communication influences that perception.
4. Leadership: Leaders must inspire and align teams, which requires excellent communication skills.

Bonus tip– 

If you want to strengthen your presentation skills by taking the aid of some experts, try out these Free Courses on Presentation Skills–

• “Dynamic Public Speaking” – University of Washington (Coursera): Covers techniques to become a compelling speaker.
• “Successful Presentation” – University of Colorado (Coursera): Teaches effective communication strategies for workplace presentations.
• “Speak with Confidence” – LinkedIn Learning: Helps professionals build confidence in verbal communication.

Here’s the link to access the free courses:

• Course Name–  Free Presentation skills and tutorials (Udemy)

Link– https://alison.com/course/presentation-skills

• Course Name– Presentation skills (Coursera)

Link– https://www.coursera.org/

Conclusion 

Mastering decision-making and presentation skills is crucial for career advancement. Decision-making empowers professionals to accept challenges efficiently, while presentation skills enhance their ability to communicate ideas persuasively.

Investing in these soft skills will not only boost personal performance but also increase career opportunities and organizational success. The key lies in consistent practice, real-world application, and continuous learning.