Why Power Skills (Soft Skills) Now Drive Business Success

What makes a leader truly effective in today’s business world? It’s no longer just about technical know-how or climbing the corporate ladder with a long list of credentials, soft skills includive.

It’s about the ability to connect with people, make tough decisions with empathy, and adapt quickly to change. These are what we now call power skills and they’ve quietly become the real drivers of success in modern business.

The shift from soft to strong

For a long time, skills like communication, empathy, and adaptability were labeled as “soft.” But as the world of work evolves, it’s become clear they’re anything but. These skills have been rebranded as power skills or durable skills and rightly so. They’re not just nice to have; they’re necessary.

One former corporate professional, now a business-school educator, discovered this truth during a pivotal moment in her early career. She had to help shut down a U.S. factory and move operations overseas, a move that made financial sense but came with heavy emotional consequences. 

Seeing how the decision affected workers and their community changed her outlook forever. It became clear that technical skills alone weren’t enough to lead responsibly. What really mattered was the ability to lead with humanity to balance results with empathy, logic with care.

Power Skills – It is In Demand but still in short supply

The importance of power skills isn’t a new idea. As far back as 1918, a Carnegie Foundation study found that 85% of a person’s professional success came from well-developed people skills, not technical ability.

Today, that message has only grown louder. According to LinkedIn’s Global Talent Trends, nearly 70% of employers say they’re prioritizing candidates who show strong soft or power skills. Yet, most new graduates don’t meet the mark. 

A Coursera report revealed that communication, listening, resilience, and adaptability are among the biggest skill gaps employers face when hiring fresh talent.

Power skills are valuable because they go beyond any one job title or industry. Whether someone is managing a team, launching a product, or leading a company, these human-centric capabilities can make or break outcomes. They support innovation, improve collaboration, and help businesses navigate the unknown, a must in an era of constant disruption and change.

3 power skills every leader needs

Let’s take a closer look at three specific power skills that are transforming the way leaders work and succeed.

1. Adaptability
Change is now the default setting in business. From economic instability to tech breakthroughs like AI, the ability to pivot quickly is crucial. Adaptability means more than just going along with change, it’s about adjusting your mindset, staying calm under pressure, and finding solutions in new environments. 

For example, when companies expand into international markets, they need to align with local cultures, laws, and expectations. That takes flexibility at every level, from leadership to frontline workers.

Empathy
Empathy is what separates good leaders from great ones. It’s the ability to step into someone else’s shoes and respond with care. When leaders lead with empathy, they build trust, loyalty, and stronger team dynamics. 

It also helps them make decisions that don’t just serve the company’s goals, but also protect and respect the people behind the numbers. 

Some institutions, like Western Governors University, are even building entire courses around empathy, showing just how central it has become to leadership development.

Inclusivity
Inclusion isn’t just about diversity numbers. It’s about creating environments where different voices are heard and respected. Teams that collaborate well across cultures, departments, and backgrounds tend to be more innovative and agile. 

During a global transition, for example, one leader found that listening across cultures and encouraging collaboration across borders was not only challenging but absolutely essential for success. Communication and teamwork remain two of the top-ranked skills in the workforce today.

What you should know

Power skills are no longer optional, they’re essential. The business world is more complex, fast-moving, and unpredictable than ever before. 

And while technical skills may get you in the door, it’s power skills that determine how far you go and how well you lead others.

As companies compete in the global economy, the ability to lead with empathy, adapt to change, and create inclusive environments isn’t just good practice, it’s smart business. 

Whether you’re an employer, an educator, or a young professional, now’s the time to focus on what really drives long-term success: people skills with power.