As an executive leader, you know that steering your company through today's challenges requires more than just technical expertise. It demands a unique blend of soft skills — emotional intelligence, adaptability and communication — that can make the difference between surviving and thriving.  

Identifying these skills in executive candidates can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. How do you ensure the leaders you bring on board have the soft skills necessary to drive your vision forward? Below, we outline all you need to know to understand, identify and encompass the soft skills in an executive candidate that will make your company thrive. 

What are Leadership Soft Skills? 

Soft skills are people-focused abilities that are applicable to all professions. For example, coding (a hard skill) is an ability that’s only useful for certain tech-related jobs. Skills like empathy and attention to detail are assets that benefit any profession. 

Leadership soft skills transform managers into leaders. They shape how leaders communicate, build relationships, make decisions, solve problems, and interact with stakeholders and team members. 

Why are Soft Skills Important in Leadership? 

Leaders with strong soft skills are better able to create a corporate culture that is impactful, inclusive and adaptive.  As more companies are returning to office, cultivating trust and developing high-performing teams are more crucial than ever. 

It’s a tricky process to teach the soft skills that are required of a dependable, talented leader. Traits like emotional intelligence, adaptability and strong communication are harder to develop because they are deeply rooted in a person’s behavior and mindset.  

What are the Essential Soft Skills for Today’s Leaders?  

• Emotional intelligence (EQ) — EQ is the most important soft skill for leaders. It involves understanding and managing your own emotions while also being able to empathize with and influence others. Leaders with high EQ are empathetic, self-aware and excellent at handling interpersonal relationships. 
• Adaptability — If the past two years have taught us anything, it’s that nothing is certain. The ability to adjust to unforeseen circumstances in a timely and dignified way is an absolute must. 
• Creativity — Creativity is all about thinking outside the box and coming up with novel solutions. Leaders who encourage creative thinking in their teams drive innovation and keep their organizations ahead of the curve.  
• Teamwork — Any C-Suite member knows the importance of working as a cohesive unit, regardless of how many individual projects exist. Leaders who prioritize this skill create a culture of mutual respect and cooperation, where team members feel valued and motivated to contribute their best work. 
• Decision-making — Effective decision-making ensures that leaders can steer their teams in the right direction, even in challenging times. This means analyzing information, weighing the pros and cons, and making choices that align with the organization’s goals. 
• Communication — Effective communication is key to successful leadership. It’s not just about delivering clear instructions but also about listening actively and fostering open dialogue. 

How Can You Ensure Your C-Suite Leaders Have the Right Soft Skills? 

When it comes to identifying soft skills in C-Suite leaders, the approach can vary depending on the organization’s specific needs and culture. Many businesses recognize that certain soft skills are more critical to their specific context and goals. For example, a company undergoing rapid change may prioritize adaptability and resilience. Other organizations may look for leaders with a broad range of soft skills, often referred to as “all-rounders,” who are expected to excel across various areas.  

This is where an executive search firm becomes an invaluable partner in your leadership hiring process. An executive search firm can play a significant role in placing candidates that meet all these qualities and more.  

Connect with us today, and we’ll partner with you to find a leader with the right mix of soft and hard skills needed to take your organization to the next level.