Too many people keep saying that "soft skills" are extremely imperative to possess in the 21st century. These skills help you succeed at work as well as in your personal life.

Here are some important soft skills:

Communication Skills: The ability to effectively convey information both verbally and in writing. This involves observing, understanding, and clearly interpreting concepts.

Teamwork: The capability to collaborate efficiently with others in any setting. It involves understanding team dynamics, participating in collective efforts, and engaging in problem-solving.

Problem-Solving Skills: This encompasses identifying issues, thinking critically, and devising effective solutions. It requires analytical thinking, creativity, and resourcefulness.

Flexibility: The capacity to learn new skills, adapt to new environments, and handle change.

Leadership: Inspiring and guiding others towards a goal. This includes decision-making, task delegation, motivating team members, and project management.

Emotional Intelligence: The ability to manage one's own emotions and understand others' feelings, acting with empathy, self-awareness, and social skills.

Time Management: Efficiently planning, organizing, and executing tasks to meet deadlines.

Diplomacy: Constructively addressing and resolving conflicts through negotiation and appropriate techniques.

Work Ethic: Demonstrating commitment, reliability, punctuality, accountability, and a positive attitude towards work.

Improving these soft skills takes continuous practice, accepting feedback, and working steadfastly on personal growth.

--Satishkumar Venkatachalam