Every serious professional should have these soft skills in 2025

• Soft skills have become more invaluable in 2025 
• Some have become more pronounced than the other, with professionals 
• Here is a list of important soft skills to have as the new year gets into high gear

I recently had a coffee break with one of my senior managers, and the discussion we had reminded of something equally vital - the need for leaders to cultivate soft skills alongside embracing new technologies.

The café where we met, with its familiar décor of comfy chairs, abstract art, and the whirr of espresso machines, seemed untouched by the fast-moving technological developments we were discussing. 

While we may be constantly connected online, there is an irreplaceable value in these face-to-face, real-life interactions. It’s in these moments that we are reminded of the importance of human connection something that’s only going to become more critical as we navigate an increasingly digital world.

In 2025, it will be crucial for entrepreneurs and leaders to hone both hard and soft skills. While hard skills, such as technical proficiency and AI literacy, will be essential, nurturing emotional intelligence and motivational abilities will be just as important. Here are the key areas I’ll be focusing on in the year ahead:

1. Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

The rapid changes in the world around us can leave many feeling unsettled, a phenomenon that Harvard Business Review contributors Laura Empson and Jennifer Howard-Grenville describe as a "liminal experience." This state of transition can cause uncertainty, but it also presents an opportunity for leaders to strengthen their emotional intelligence, or EQ.

Recent studies, such as a survey from the nonprofit Six Seconds, reveal that EQ has been in decline for the past four years. People are becoming more volatile, less able to navigate their emotions, and less connected to empathy. In 2025, leaders must prioritise improving their EQ to foster self-awareness and empathy within their teams. One way to do this is by expanding your emotional vocabulary — for instance, what might seem like anger in response to a failed product launch could actually stem from feelings of embarrassment or shame. By correctly identifying emotions, leaders can better manage their reactions and, in turn, develop a more emotionally intelligent and resilient workplace.

2. AI Literacy

AI is undeniably a game-changer for businesses across industries, but to truly harness its power, leaders must understand it. Matt Crabtree from DataCamp describes AI literacy as the ability to use AI technologies effectively and make informed decisions regarding their use. It’s not just about understanding the technology itself; it also involves recognising the ethical implications of AI and addressing biases that still persist in its systems.

For instance, while AI can streamline administrative tasks such as scheduling interviews or screening resumes, it should not be entrusted with making final hiring decisions. AI still has inherent biases, and its lack of "soft skills" means it cannot replicate the empathy and nuanced judgement needed for certain tasks. By understanding these limitations, leaders can ensure they use AI in a way that is both efficient and ethical, creating a fair and accountable workplace.

3. Motivational Skills

Inspiring employees is a challenge many leaders face. According to a survey by Harvard Business Review, less than half of employees feel their leaders are successfully motivating them. One of the key issues is the outdated “carrot and stick” approach, where employees are either rewarded for success or reprimanded for failure. However, today’s workforce seeks more than just fair pay; they crave purpose and meaning in their work.

To inspire employees and keep them motivated, especially during times of change, leaders need to communicate a clear vision for the company. It’s not enough to simply say, "We make forms," as my company does at Jotform. It’s crucial to convey the larger purpose behind the work: we make people's lives easier by freeing them from tedious tasks, enabling them to focus on what they truly care about.

Inspirational leaders create an emotional connection between their team members and the organisation’s goals. As Kelly and Ben Decker point out in Harvard Business Review, a clear vision helps shift employees’ mindset from "I have to" to "I want to." This alignment with a shared purpose is vital for motivating teams, especially when priorities change.

As we move into 2025, the balance between embracing technological advancements and developing soft skills will be crucial for effective leadership. While AI, data analytics, and other innovations will drive progress, emotional intelligence, motivational skills, and a deeper understanding of the human side of leadership will remain just as important. 

After all, the future of leadership isn’t just about what we know — it’s about how we connect with and inspire those around us.

10 habits to break, build in 2025 for self-improvement

In an earlier report, TheRadar compiled a list of 10 actionable habits you can break and build for personal growth in 2025.

Habits define our daily lives and ultimately shape who we are.  Identifying the ones to break or build can lead to a more fulfilling year.