hard or soft, skills are skills
Sometimes, we encounter folks who are reluctant to add words to their data tables or visualizations. This hesitation might stem from having been taught to “let the data speak for itself,” as if data were a wise, all-knowing entity rather than a structured set of measurements. Measurements that, ultimately, are shaped by resource constraints and the choices of others along the way.
Occasionally, though, this reluctance tips into something closer to disdain. When it does, it’s often due to a belief that data analysis is a “hard skill,” while communication and presentation are merely “soft skills”—less worth the effort to develop or refine. This perspective is not only limiting but ironic, especially when we consider the true nature of these skill types.
Generally speaking, “hard skills” deal with things like numeric precision, algorithmic development, engineering, and analytical investigation. They’re areas where your work can be objectively tested, measured, and evaluated. In other words, with hard skills, you’re likely to receive clear feedback on whether you’ve succeeded or failed. You know where you stand.
On the flip side, “soft skills” include things like interpersonal communication, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and collaboration. All of these are essential in any group setting, but you rarely get a clean “yes” or “no” on whether you’ve applied them well in any given situation. Yet despite the perceived ambiguity, soft skills are crucial for effectiveness in the workplace. In fact, they’re often much more challenging to develop, as they require ongoing self-awareness, practice, and responsiveness to others.
All of this underscores that the hard skill versus soft skill divide is an arbitrary distinction that often works against both individuals and teams. A talented engineer who can communicate technical insights effectively to management is just as valuable as a team lead who can discuss SAS with the statisticians. Skills, at their core, are simply skills—tools that allow us to solve problems, create connections, and share insights.
