Saving Soft Skills From Extinction | Scott Asai | TEDxLaie

Summary

The speaker reflects on the decline of soft skills, noting how technology has eroded face-to-face communication, particularly among younger generations. Using Hawaii’s Aloha spirit as a model for human connection, the speaker emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence, active listening, and communication in personal and professional success. The speech highlights the difference between hard and soft skills, pointing out that while hard skills get you the job, soft skills are what sustain relationships and build community. The speaker advocates for preserving soft skills, comparing them to endangered languages, and challenges the audience to actively cultivate and teach these essential life skills.

Takeaways

• 📱 Technology has created a soft skills gap, as people increasingly choose digital communication over face-to-face interaction.
• 🤔 Soft skills, such as emotional intelligence (EQ), are crucial for success, especially in leadership roles.
• 👥 Soft skills are key to building relationships, friendships, and strong communities.
• 🏝️ In Hawaii, soft skills are tied to the concept of 'Aloha,' representing love, respect, and the essence of human connection.
• 📈 While hard skills are important for getting a job, soft skills are often what leads to promotions and career growth.
• 🗣️ Strong soft skills, such as active listening and effective communication, make individuals memorable and valued.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Teaching and modeling soft skills, especially to children, can have long-term societal benefits, as seen in studies like the Perry Preschool Project.
• 💡 Technology isn't the enemy of soft skills, but it has led to a reduction in patience, focus, and in-person communication.
• 🌎 Without deliberate effort, soft skills may become extinct, making it essential to nurture and preserve them through practice and teaching.
• 🎯 The speaker challenges the audience to invest in people by actively listening and communicating better to help preserve soft skills.

Q & A

What is the main concern expressed in the script?

The main concern is the decline of soft skills, which are essential for communication, building relationships, and leadership. The speaker worries that technology is causing a disconnect, making soft skills less common.

Why does the speaker mention the group of teenagers at the bus stop?

The speaker uses this example to illustrate how people, particularly teenagers, are increasingly reliant on technology (texting on phones) and are losing the ability to communicate face-to-face, highlighting the decline of soft skills.

How are soft skills defined in the script?

Soft skills are defined as the ability to communicate and work well with others. They are crucial for building community and relationships, and they play a key role in professional and personal success.

Why does the speaker reference Hawaiians and the term 'Aloha'?

The speaker references Hawaiians and the term 'Aloha' to emphasize how Hawaiians embody soft skills through their culture, which values love, respect, and connection with others. 'Aloha' is presented as an example of soft skills in action.

What does Daniel Goleman say about the importance of emotional intelligence (EQ) in professional success?

Daniel Goleman states that emotional intelligence (EQ) accounts for 90% of what moves a person up the success ladder. He also mentions that EQ is twice as important as hard skills for distinguishing top performers and four times as important in senior roles.

How does technology contribute to the decline of soft skills, according to the script?

Technology, while making communication more efficient, creates a disconnect by reducing face-to-face interactions. This reliance on digital communication leads to a decline in the development of soft skills like empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication.

What is the speaker's concern about the future of soft skills?

The speaker is concerned that if current trends continue, soft skills may become extinct, as people are increasingly choosing the convenience of virtual communication over more effortful, real-life interactions.

What example does the speaker give to show that soft skills can be saved from extinction?

The speaker gives the example of Larry Kimura, who successfully helped revive the endangered Hawaiian language by founding preschools that taught Hawaiian culture and language, showing that with effort and dedication, soft skills (or cultural practices) can be preserved.

What does the speaker suggest parents should do to teach soft skills to their children?

The speaker suggests that parents should model soft skills for their children by practicing behaviors like putting their phones down during dinner, making eye contact, and initiating conversations. Teaching these skills helps children navigate the world both socially and emotionally.

What actions does the speaker recommend to help preserve soft skills in the community?

The speaker recommends being proactive by volunteering, leading, problem-solving, and actively listening to others. Developing awareness of body language, fostering positive attitudes, and spreading the Aloha spirit are all ways to help preserve and strengthen soft skills.