On “soft” skills

It’s fascinating how the skills some people call “soft” seem remarkably hard for them to learn.

They’re not soft. They’re not hard. They’re human — and we’ve been undervaluing them because we confused measurability with importance.

Building trust. Navigating conflict. Making someone feel seen at the moment they needed it most. Inspiring people who have every option to ignore you.

No algorithm does that.

Call them soft if you want.

Just don’t be surprised when the most technically brilliant person in the room can’t get anyone to follow them anywhere.