How can companies balance the need for tech skills and human skills?

Balancing technical and human (or "soft") skills is essential for companies striving to innovate while maintaining strong, cohesive teams. Here are several ways companies can achieve this balance:

Blended Training Programs: Integrate technical and human skills training as part of a holistic development plan. For example, pair coding courses with workshops on communication and collaboration, enabling employees to apply technical skills effectively in team settings.

Cross-Functional Teams: Create teams with a mix of technical experts and those skilled in human-centric roles, such as project managers or communicators. This fosters knowledge-sharing, encouraging both sides to develop an appreciation for each other’s strengths and skills.

Performance Metrics that Value Both: Design performance reviews to measure success not just by technical output but by collaboration, communication, and problem-solving abilities. This signals to employees that human skills are as valued as tech skills.

Promote a Culture of Empathy: Encourage empathy in the workplace to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical employees. Activities like role-switching exercises or job-shadowing days can help employees see challenges from multiple perspectives.

Mentorship Programs: Pair employees with mentors who have complementary skills—e.g., a tech-savvy employee with a more experienced communicator. Mentorship not only accelerates skills development but also builds interpersonal connections that can lead to better collaboration.

Adaptable Hiring Practices: Seek candidates who demonstrate both technical ability and emotional intelligence. Interview questions or assessments focusing on real-life problem-solving and teamwork scenarios can highlight a candidate’s human skills alongside their technical expertise.

Incorporate Tech in Human Skills Training: Use technology to simulate real-world situations where human skills are essential. Virtual reality (VR), for example, can be used for soft skills training in leadership or customer service, making the learning experience interactive and immersive.

By taking these steps, companies can develop a workforce that's technically proficient and agile in human interactions—positioning them for long-term resilience and growth.