From Soft Skills to Power Skills: A Paradigm Shift for the Future of Work

Written by Cristina Andersson and Arne van Oosterom

You have probably attended a seminar where you were told that AI and robots can never substitute a human in work. You were told that this is because humans have skills that robots could never attain — soft skills. Soft skills like empathy, caring, intuition, or emotional intelligence. For some, soft skills implies that these skills are less important than “hard” technical skills.

Well, it’s time to rethink that notion. AI and robotics have advanced into realms like artificial empathy, enabling machines to interpret human emotions and provide care with respect. Yet, while AI can mimic empathy, it doesn’t experience it as humans do. Machines lack the rich tapestry of life — family bonds, aging, love — that makes human empathy profound.

So, even as AI’s capacity for artificial empathy grows, we shouldn’t sideline our inherent human skills. Instead, we must elevate them. Enter Power Skills: the evolution of soft skills into intentional, authentic, and impactful human interactions. Being truly present, listening deeply, showing genuine compassion — these are the connections that transform lives, communities, and our world. In facing global challenges, these human-centered skills are indispensable.

Why the Change in Terminology?

Renaming “soft skills” as “power skills” underscores their vital importance:

1. Reframing Value

Labeling them as “power skills” highlights their transformative impact. They’re not secondary to technical abilities; they’re the catalysts of success. Leading teams, resolving crises, fostering innovation — these endeavors thrive on power skills.

2. Recognizing the Human Advantage

In an era where automation handles technical tasks, power skills are our competitive edge. Machines can process data and simulate emotions, but they can’t replicate the depth of human interaction or the trust we build.

3. Driving Organizational Success

Organizations that prioritize power skills — emotional intelligence, resilience, collaboration — are better equipped to adapt, innovate, and maintain a vibrant culture. These skills are the bedrock of sustainable success.

“Power skills are the most important skills we have in our companies, and we have to build them, nourish them, and continuously evolve them with vigor.” — Josh Bersin –

Power Skills in Action

Power skills aren’t just trendy jargon — they’re shaping how industries grow and succeed in real, tangible ways:

• In Robotics and AI

While technical expertise drives advancements in robotics and AI, it’s power skills that truly set the stage for success. Bringing together people from different disciplines, thinking ethically about the future, and communicating clearly with diverse teams and stakeholders are all essential.

• In Healthcare

When robotics meets healthcare, it’s not just about coding or mechanics, it’s about people. Solutions that make a real difference in lives are born from a combination of emotional intelligence and technical skill, together, they bridge the gap between innovation and meaningful impact.

• In Storytelling and Innovation

Personal stories bring ideas to life, foster understanding, and inspire action in ways machines simply can’t replicate. Whether it’s sparking collaboration or pushing the boundaries of innovation, storytelling is a power skill that turns abstract ideas into movements and communities that people believe in.

“They should’ve always been called power skills. It’s become obvious that the ’soft skills’ of the past are at the forefront of what’s most needed in our current workplaces.” — Redshoe Movement –

Cultivating Power Skills

Power skills are different from technical skills, they aren’t just about repetition or formulas. Instead, they grow through practice, self-reflection, and genuine connection with others.

Here’s how we can nurture them:

• Practice and Reflection

Power skills start with self-awareness and consistent effort. Simple habits like journaling or practicing mindfulness can help you become more emotionally in tune and present in your interactions.

• Collaboration and Community

These skills really come to life when we work with others. Whether it’s through team projects, open dialogue, or constructive feedback, collaborative environments are the perfect space to strengthen and refine them.

• Storytelling and Context

Storytelling is a powerful way to build empathy and connect with others on a human level. Learning to adapt your communication to fit different situations can make these skills not only meaningful but also practical in everyday life.

At their core, power skills are about becoming more (dare we say ‘better’) humans, more aware, more connected, and more adaptable. By focusing on these, we can grow in ways that not only benefit ourselves but also those around us.

Conclusion

We must double down on the things that make us truly human. Power skills aren’t just nice-to-have; they’re essential. These are the skills that let us connect, adapt, and create meaning in a way machines can’t. And just like any skill, they take practice. It’s not something you can learn in a weekend workshop and check off your list.

Language shapes how we see the world, how we see ourselves, how we experience reality and what we value. Words matter. When we change the story, from “soft skills” being something secondary to “power skills” being essential, we’re shifting how we think about them. This is about putting these skills where they belong: front and center in how we live, work, and lead.

Power skills aren’t just about you. They’re about creating a ripple effect. When you show up with empathy, when you listen deeply, when you tell a story that moves someone, you’re not just practicing a skill, you’re making an impact. That’s what makes us powerful, and that’s why this shift in language, and focus, matters so much.