New skills for today's world
In today's world, professional knowledge alone is not enough. Soft skills are key—the abilities that help us be better colleagues, partners, parents, and friends. The most important ones include:
- Critical thinking – the art of assessing information, filtering facts from emotions, and making informed decisions.
- Communication – the ability to clearly express your thoughts while listening to others.
- Emotional intelligence – understanding your own emotions, regulating them, and perceiving the feelings of others.
When are soft skills useful in practice?
We use these skills more often than we realize:
- At meetings, when you need to express your opinion clearly and without conflict.
- When negotiating deadlines, when listening and seeking compromise helps.
- In crisis situations, such as when a project is failing or negative feedback comes from a client.
- At home with your family, when making financial decisions, dealing with children's tantrums, or disagreements with your partner.
- In moments of pressure, when the ability to remain calm and not escalate the situation is crucial.
Why is it worth it?
Research conducted by the Carnegie Foundation in 1918 showed that interpersonal skills are largely responsible for success at work. Today, we know that the figures vary depending on the field and environment, but the essence remains the same—soft skills play a crucial role in our professional and personal lives. Current studies confirm that people with higher emotional intelligence achieve better work results, have better relationships, and enjoy better health.
If you want to develop these skills, VOX and Top Vision, for example, offer inspiration with a wide range of courses from critical thinking to time management.
Peace begins within us
Stress at work and at home is common. However, consciously working with your emotions can significantly improve your mood and health. Emotions affect blood pressure, sleep, digestion, and immunity. Learning to manage them means, for example:
- Short breaks – a few minutes of conscious breathing during a busy day will reduce tension.
- Recognizing triggers – being aware of what causes frustration or anxiety and how to respond constructively.
- Communication under pressure – the ability to speak clearly and calmly even in conflict situations.
Studies show that just 20 to 30 minutes of meditation, breathing exercises, or spending time in nature can reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol. The exact figures vary depending on the study, but a short conscious "reset" has a noticeable impact on both the mind and body.
If you want to learn how this works in practice, check out the School of Communication or Less Stress programs, which offer courses focused on stress management and communication in challenging situations.
When you need personal support
In some situations, a course alone is not enough, and a guide is needed. A coach can help you identify your goals and find a way to achieve them. The Association of Professional Coaches offers appropriate support, as does the flexible Kouč na drátě service, which operates online and adapts to your schedule.
For deeper work with emotions or dealing with more challenging periods, there is a safe space for online therapy, such as Mojra Online or Hedepy.
Learning every day
Learning doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. All you need to do is incorporate small habits:
- Daily reflection – recording successes and opportunities for improvement.
- Mini-mentoring – short conversations with colleagues or friends to exchange tips and feedback.
- Online courses – a flexible way to develop specific skills at your own pace.
Even a few minutes a day can significantly affect how you respond to stress, communicate, and cope with challenging situations.
School of life is not boring
Unlike in childhood, today we choose the content ourselves. If we want to be better at work, in our family, and in ourselves, we can choose courses, coaches, or online therapy according to our needs. Investing in ourselves pays off—it improves relationships, work performance, and overall well-being.
Practical tips:
- Start with a small self-awareness exercise: five minutes of focused breathing or a short reflection every day.
- Take advantage of company benefits and expand your skills through mentoring, online soft skills courses, or coaching.
- Monitor the impact of emotions on your body: record how you feel before and after a stressful situation.
School backpacks and homework are long behind us, but the opportunity to learn every day never disappears. Let's learn to be people with awareness, patience, and empathy—for ourselves and for others.
