LeadFirst Logo

The Faith-Driven Leadership Operating System  |  Contact Us  |  Login

Soft Skills Drive Employee Engagement, Hard Skills Drive Organizational Performance

Gary Harpst • Nov 09, 2018

From the new landmark research study recently released from Six Disciplines, and detailed in this 30-page research paper, “ 7 Key Findings About What Employees Say Drives Performance and Engagement “, survey results find that soft skills drive employee engagement, while hard skills drive organizational performance.

a graphic showing engagement drivers and performance others

‘Soft’ skills refers to more intangible factors and behaviors, like attitude and relationship. ‘Hard’ skills is more about
identifiable systems and processes that individuals and teams use to get things done.

Interestingly, ‘Openness and Honesty’ appears on both soft and hard skill lists. They are the “oxygen” of both
communication and collaboration.

The sheer breadth of these two lists of soft and hard skills shows why frontline leadership is such a challenging role.

Subscribe to the LeadFirst Briefing

Conquer Chaos in Your Business

  1. Order copies of Built to Beat Chaos for your team
  2. Lead your team through the Discussion Guide
  3. Set a vision for your business with the LeadFirst Purpose Workshop.
Hands of employees joining together holding a plant growing out of respect, love and unity.

Caring for Others Requires Caring For Yourself

29 Apr, 2024
As leaders, it's easy to get caught up in the demands of the job and to forget about the importance of self-care. However, taking care of oneself is critical to being an effective leader. In this article, we'll explore some insights from Jesus that can help us understand why self-care is so important in leadership.
Image of three leaders from different races with a background boosting corporate values & skyscraper

Transformation: Outside In or Inside Out?

23 Apr, 2024
Transformation is a topic that fascinates us, whether personal or organizational change. Recently, I was reminded of the significance of this topic when I met a young woman who had just been released from prison. Drugs and the harsh realities of the world around her had consumed her life. She was shaped by her surroundings, but her time in prison led to a chance encounter that would change her life forever.
Frustrated employee wrapped by different mixed emotions such as anger, fear, envy, disruption, etc.

Role of Desire in Unraveling the Chaos in Leadership

16 Apr, 2024
To become a more effective leader, it's crucial to recognize and appreciate the influence of desire in every individual you encounter. Understanding and addressing these desires are key to connecting with others on a deeper level, whether in professional or personal settings. Recognizing and respecting these inner motivations not only enriches interpersonal interactions but also fosters a greater sense of understanding and cooperation in all aspects of life, extending beyond the confines of traditional employment.
Share by: