Dive Brief:
- While the U.S. school system focuses primarily on cognitive skills, employers will demand that workers also posses social skills. Therein lies the disconnect, according to Quartz.
- Many studies have found, however, that social and emotional skills can be taught at an early age and are not that difficult to teach.
- James Heckman, a Nobel-prize winning economist presented research that showed when early childhood programs focused on non-cognitive skills, this led to higher potential career earnings, lower unemployment rates, and reduced crime levels in districts.
Dive Insight:
Sure, it's important to be proficient with reading, writing, and mathematics, but a worker can go far by being extroverted.
First, we've moved past singular work experiences and into more collaborative environments. This requires a certain amount of interpersonal communication and team work.
Secondly, as a society, we are much more connected on an emotional and social level due to social media's influence. This also translates to how people work because there are internal networks in the office.
Social leadership is valued almost as much as a college degree in some workplaces. The educational system can do more to support the future of work by actively teaching students social skills in an age when texting and other digital communication is limiting face-to-face interactions. These skills are especially important for Generation Z which is in line to soon take over mid-level positions.
