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Addressing a Different Type of Talent Shortage: The Soft Skills Gap

This article appeared in the May 2020 issue of MiMfg Magazine. Read the full issue and find past issues online.

A massive talent shortage is posing a great challenge for manufacturers as they seek to hire workers with the experience and technical knowledge needed to fill open positions in their facilities. But, now, a lack of soft skills or interpersonal skills among candidates is making it even more difficult to find the kind of worker that will help their companies succeed in the long run.

Many believe soft skills don’t matter as much in a manufacturing career, as technical knowledge is the main focus of most work in the industry. However, it is clear that “soft” skills such as time management, organization, communication and leadership are essential when it comes to being a successful and well-rounded manufacturing employee.

Different skills can be applied in a manufacturing setting to foster collaboration and support improvements in productivity, delivery and employee morale, including:

  • Problem solving. The ability to think critically about problems to identify root causes and counter-measures is a necessity in all careers, including manufacturing. In fact, 77 percent of employers say they favor candidates who can think critically. This skill is regularly used in manufacturing, both with conflict resolution between workers and with troubleshooting issues in production. For example, workers need problem solving skills in order to determine why a machine broke down or why orders are consistently missing deadlines.
  • Leadership. Making conscious efforts to support inclusion, teamwork and motivation among co-workers will result in more collaboration and stronger relationships within the team. This, in turn, will support continuous improvement initiatives in the facility as teams will work better together to brainstorm innovative ways to improve operations. Taking the time to develop such leadership and interpersonal skills — whether it comes naturally or must be learned — will provide greater results to the organization and open doors for more leadership roles in the future. 
  • Communication. Lack of effective communication skills can be largely detrimental to a worker’s success — and the success of the organization. No matter how technically talented an employee might be, performance can be hindered if they do not have the communication skills needed for everyday interactions at work. Misunderstandings can occur when dealing with customers, or, worse yet, when explaining procedures for operating machinery to other workers.
  • Adaptability. In manufacturing, it is essential that workers are able to think on their feet and modify plans to adapt to disruptions or changes in production. This is especially true with the rise of Industry 4.0, as workers must stay up to date on the latest process improvements and be able to quickly adjust to any new practices or equipment.

When looking to hire or promote workers, consider choosing the candidate with the strongest soft skills. While technical skills will fill immediate gaps in operations, soft skills will help both employers and employees find success for years to come.

About the Author

Kara KucinskiKara Kucinski is a marketing specialist for the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (The Center). She may be reached at 888-414-6682 or inquiry@the-center.org.

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