Terry Petzold, with 25 years of recruiting experience and currently a managing partner at Fox Search Group, has a unique perspective on how to stand out in the job market. He emphasizes that in-demand technical skills are not always stable. Take the case of artificial intelligence; just two-and-a-half years ago, there was a focus on hiring coders, but with the emergence of ChatGPT, the landscape changed rapidly. Petzold believes that while having up-to-date digital skills is important across industries and career levels, companies are now more interested in hiring people with a different set of skills.

The Importance of Soft Skills in the Workplace

Emotional intelligence, or EQ, is a crucial soft skill that allows individuals to manage their own feelings and those of others. This skill enables better relationship-building and leadership in the workplace. Job candidates with great technical skills can truly succeed when they also demonstrate high EQ. Specialization in an area like data, security, infrastructure, or enterprise solutions is valuable, but those with strong EQ and soft skills, along with business skills, are the future IT leaders.

Handling and Delivering Constructive Feedback

Being able to handle and deliver constructive feedback is an essential soft skill. It helps in providing valuable input to colleagues and improving team performance. When individuals have this skill, they can communicate their thoughts and concerns in a way that is respectful and helpful. For example, instead of simply pointing out mistakes, they can offer suggestions on how to improve. This leads to a more positive work environment and helps in resolving issues effectively.

Managing Conflict

In a workplace, conflicts are inevitable. However, those with high EQ know how to manage conflicts in a constructive manner. They can listen to both sides of the story, understand the underlying issues, and find solutions that satisfy all parties. By doing so, they prevent conflicts from escalating and maintain a harmonious work environment. For instance, a leader with high EQ might mediate a dispute between two team members by facilitating open communication and helping them find common ground.

Having Critical Conversations with Urgency

Being able to have critical conversations with urgency is another important soft skill. It requires the ability to address important issues promptly and effectively. When faced with a critical situation, individuals with high EQ can approach the conversation with empathy and clarity. They can clearly state the problem and its impact, while also listening to the other person's perspective. This helps in making timely decisions and taking appropriate actions.

Working Cross-Functionally by Persuading Peers and Other Leaders

Working cross-functionally is essential in today's interconnected workplaces. Those with high EQ can persuade their peers and other leaders to collaborate and work towards common goals. They understand the needs and perspectives of different teams and can use their communication skills to bring everyone together. For example, a project manager with high EQ might convince different departments to work together by highlighting the benefits of collaboration and addressing any concerns they may have.

Effectively Presenting Ideas to Leaders Above Them

Presenting ideas to leaders above one's level requires more than just technical knowledge. It requires the ability to communicate effectively and persuade others. Individuals with high EQ can present their ideas in a clear and compelling manner, taking into account the audience's needs and concerns. They can use visual aids and storytelling techniques to make their ideas more engaging and memorable. This helps in getting their ideas approved and implemented.Good employers can further develop their workers' soft skills by offering mentorship programs and facilitating networking. This allows employees to see good models of leadership and high EQ in action and learn from them. By focusing on soft skills, companies can build a more resilient and successful workforce.If you're looking to make extra money outside of your day job, sign up for CNBC's online course "How to Earn Passive Income Online" to learn about common passive income streams, tips to get started, and real-life success stories. Plus, sign up for CNBC Make It's newsletter to get tips and tricks for success at work, with money, and in life.