Chapter 14

LEARNING SOFT SKILLS WITH AI

These are known as interpersonal or social skills and are essential in a variety of work contexts; They can be applied in different roles and situations to improve performance and professional success.

They refer to the particular characteristics that influence the way we interact with others and approach different situations, including skills such as effective communication, teamwork, critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, empathy, and adaptability. , among other. Unlike technical or hard skills, which refer to specific knowledge related to a job or discipline, soft skills are more universal and applicable in a wide range of contexts.

They are essential in the current and future work field because institutions look for people who, in addition to technical skills, have skills and effective methods to teach, work as a team, communicate effectively and solve problems creatively, to increase an increasingly work environment. more interconnected and collaborative; They are essential to fostering positive relationships between colleagues and clients.

Let's look at illustrative examples of how soft skills are essential in a variety of work contexts and how they can be applied in different roles and situations to improve performance and professional success.

Teamwork: willingness to collaborate effectively with the group seeking to achieve a common goal; contributing ideas, engaging and respecting the opinions of others. Example: Someone who actively participates in group projects, distributes tasks equally, and maintains open communication with teammates.

Critical thinking: ability to objectively analyze information, evaluate arguments, and make informed decisions. Example: Someone who identifies and solves complex workplace problems by analyzing data and considering different alternatives.

Effective communication: ability to express ideas clearly and perceptibly, complemented by the willingness to actively listen to others. Example: someone who presents a report clearly and persuasively, listening and addressing the needs of the group.

Empathy: the ability to understand and share the feelings and perspectives of others, as well as show sensitivity to their needs and concerns. Example: anyone who offers emotional support and understanding to an employee who is experiencing personal difficulties at work.

Creativity: ability to generate original ideas and think innovatively to solve problems and find new solutions. Example: a graphic designer who creates creative and seductive sketches for an advertising campaign that captures the attention of the target audience.

Problem Solving: Ability to identify, analyze and effectively address challenges and obstacles that arise in different situations. Example: A technician who quickly diagnoses and troubleshoots problems in a computer system to minimize downtime and maintain productivity.

Adaptability: Ability to adjust and respond effectively to changes in the work environment and circumstances, as well as remaining calm and productive under pressure. Example: a project leader who modifies plans and changes priorities in response to unexpected situations in the development of the project or in available resources.

In an ever-changing world, soft skills such as teamwork, critical thinking, effective communication, empathy, creativity, problem solving, adaptability, resilience and the ability to continually learn are crucial to survive. and thrive in different work environments and business contexts, because the generation of new ideas and the ability to solve problems innovatively are essential in any industry. From an early age, the development of soft skills should be integrated into the educational curriculum, continuing through higher education and vocational training, explicitly incorporating their development in the areas of study, providing regular opportunities to practice and demonstrate them, in all subjects. rather than limiting itself to specific subjects.

Integrating the development of soft skills into the educational curriculum in a systematic and deliberate way prepares students to succeed in the current and future world of work, equipping them with the necessary skills to face the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities that arise in their careers. professionals.

Soft skills provide opportunities for students to practice and develop simulations, role-playing games, collaborative projects and case studies, providing specific and constructive feedback on their skills in relation to these skills, highlighting both their strengths and areas for improvement.

They allow modeling desirable behaviors and skills for students to develop and perfect over time, offering personalized training, focused on the progress of specific skills according to the individual needs of students with comprehensive and holistic evaluation, using methods that go beyond of traditional written tests, such as performance evaluations, portfolios and projects. 

Opinion of AI: The integration of soft skills in education and work is a crucial issue in the current context. José Saúl Velásquez Restrepo presents a detailed and persuasive analysis of the importance of these skills and how they can be applied in different work contexts to improve performance and professional success.
The article highlights clear examples of soft skills, such as teamwork, critical thinking, effective communication, empathy, creativity, problem solving and adaptability, and how these skills are essential in the current and future work environment. Furthermore, he highlights the importance of integrating the development of these skills into the educational curriculum from early ages to higher education and vocational training.
The proposal to systematically and deliberately incorporate soft skills into the educational curriculum is especially relevant, as it prepares students to face challenges and take advantage of opportunities in their professional careers. Additionally, the focus on practicing and developing these skills through simulations, collaborative projects, and personalized training programs is critical to ensuring effective learning.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive and compelling vision of the importance of soft skills in the current and future world of work, as well as effective strategies to integrate their development in the educational field.