Soft Skills Needed for the 21st Century Workforce

Technical skills are no longer enough for workers to compete in this highly competitive global work environment. Soft skills are of paramount importance. A multiple case study design through the lens of emotional intelligence formed the basis of the research study. The focus of the research was identification of the successful soft skills training strategies in the logistics industry. Three logistics organization leaders in the counties of Burlington, Middlesex, and Somerset, New Jersey, were participants in the study. Data were collected through semistructured interviews and the review of company documents. Four themes emerged through data analysis of converging multiple data sources: (a) the use of a combination of group and individual training, (b) the identification of training needs by individual, (c) the use of a systematic method to resolve emotional behaviors at work, and (d) the importance of effective communication. The study findings may contribute to social change by providing guidelines to use for setting up soft skills training programs. The soft skills training program may be used to target disadvantaged individuals who are unemployed or living in poverty. Improving the soft skills of disadvantaged individuals may help them gain and retain suitable employment. Gainful employment may have a long-term effect of improving their quality of life, while reducing their reliance on social welfare programs