The Rise of Soft Skills in 2025: Are You Ready?

We’ve all felt it the pace of change at work is speeding up. Leading a team or planning your next move, keeping your skills relevant has never mattered more.

LinkedIn’s latest report shows that Australia’s fastest-growing skills in 2025 aren’t just technical. They’re human. Change isn’t slowing down. With AI reshaping the way we work, LinkedIn predicts that by 2030, 70% of the skills used in most jobs will be different. Communication, strategic thinking and adaptability are topping the list. And honestly, it makes sense.

As AI takes over more of the technical stuff, the edge now lies in how we work with people, navigate change and handle pressure.

Here’s why soft skills are becoming non-negotiable:

• Communication sets you apart in any role or industry

• Strategic thinking helps with problem solving and decision making

• People who adapt quickly will have more career options

Real skills, real change

One of my clients, let’s call her Lisa, is a Type 2 on the Enneagram: the Considered Helper. Always the first to say yes, even when it cost her energy and focus.

Early on, Lisa struggled in meetings and found it hard to say no. She’d avoid speaking up, then end up burnt out and overwhelmed.

Now? She leads meetings with confidence, contributes her ideas and negotiates when people ask for her help. Her job hasn’t changed – but how she shows up has.

That’s what happens when you work on the skills that actually move you forward.

So how do you actually build these skills?

• Work with a coach to develop your soft skills (I happen to know a good one 😉)

• Ask for feedback from friends, family, peers or your manager, then turn it into a plan

• Reflect on how you respond to challenges or change (journaling helps)

• Observe how others communicate or lead in tough situations. What can you learn from them?

• Take a personality or behavioural assessment to build self-awareness (the Enneagram is a good start , reach out if you want a discount code)

Technical skills will always matter, but soft skills are what keep you relevant. The sooner we treat them as essential, not optional, the more ready we’ll be for what’s next.

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