soft skills

The Soft Skills Secret: Building Teams That Truly Thrive

When we think about hiring, technical skills often steal the spotlight. It makes sense, right? You want someone who can do the job - someone who knows their way around the tools and technologies that keep everything running smoothly. But here’s the thing: soft skills are just as important. Sometimes, they’re the ones that make all the difference.

In my experience in the recruitment industry and especially at Vision Talent, I’ve learned that a great hire isn’t just about what’s on the resume - it’s about how someone fits into the bigger picture. Over the years, I’ve seen how prioritizing cultural fit, communication, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving leads to building teams that don’t just function - they thrive. Let’s talk about it.

1. Cultural Fit: Finding Someone Who Belongs

Cultural fit is a game-changer. It’s not just about finding someone who fits in - it’s about finding someone who enhances the culture. They don’t need to be a carbon copy of the team(sometimes that is the exact opposite of what they want), but they need to vibe with the values, the work ethic, and the spirit that make your company unique.

A good cultural fit means stronger collaboration, higher morale, and a healthier work environment. If a candidate isn’t aligned with your culture, even the most technically proficient hire will struggle to make a meaningful impact. Think of it like a puzzle: the pieces don’t have to look identical, but they need to fit together.

At Vision Talent, we’ve developed a process to identify candidates who don’t just fit your culture but elevate it. We understand the importance of finding people who not only work well with your team but also bring fresh energy to the table.

2. Communication: The Glue That Holds Everything Together

You’ve probably experienced this before: someone explains something, and you think, “uhm…what? did they just speak in code?”

Good communication isn’t just about explaining things clearly (although that obviously helps). It’s about listening, collaborating, and connecting with others in a way that builds trust and understanding while keeping everyone on the same page. Without solid communication, projects get delayed, misunderstandings pile up, and confusion reigns.

One of our clients came to us looking to fill a project manager role. During the hiring process, it became clear that internal miscommunication was creating delays and missed opportunities - but the client hadn’t even realized how much it was impacting their team. We placed a candidate with exceptional communication skills who quickly identified gaps, streamlined collaboration, and fostered a culture of open dialogue. Within a few months, project timelines improved dramatically, and morale was noticeably higher. That’s the power of good communication. 

3. Emotional Intelligence: Navigating the Ups and Downs

Work isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. I know - shocker. There are tough days, stressful projects, tight deadlines, unexpected roadblocks, and yes - maybe even some occasional office drama. It’s all part of the job.

That’s where emotional intelligence (EQ) comes in. Candidates with high EQ can manage their emotions, read the room, and handle tricky moments with grace. It’s the difference between calmly resolving a challenging client issue and letting a situation spiral out of control. Emotional intelligence makes all the difference in creating a positive and productive work environment. 

At Vision Talent, we place a strong emphasis on identifying EQ in our candidates because we’ve seen how it transforms workplaces. I’ll never forget the time we placed a candidate in a high-pressure stakeholder-facing Scrum Master role. Their direct yet, empathetic approach was key to calming down frustrated clients. It was also proof that emotional intelligence doesn’t just make the workplace more pleasant—it drives results.

4. Problem-Solving: More Than Just a Checklist

Technical skills are great for completing specific tasks, but problem-solving is what gets you through the unexpected.

In my experience, a candidate who can think on their feet, come up with creative solutions, and adapt to changing circumstances will bring far more value than someone who just follows instructions. I’ve seen first-hand that the best hires are the ones who see problems as opportunities and rise to the occasion.

Conclusion: It’s the Whole Package

When you look beyond the resume, you start to see that technical skills and soft skills go hand in hand. A great hire isn’t just about someone who can get the job done - it’s about finding someone who can communicate, collaborate, adapt, and solve problems creatively. 

At Vision Talent, we believe in going beyond the checklist to help our clients find the perfect balance of technical ability and soft skills. For us, it’s not just about filling positions; it’s about building teams that grow, innovate, and thrive. And I believe drive, initiative, and soft skills like emotional intelligence are the ones that set people apart.

So, don’t just look at what a candidate can do. Think about how they will do it—and how they’ll contribute to the bigger picture.

It’s the combination of both that leads to the best hires. 

And that, my friend, is how you build a team that’s not just good on paper—but great in practice.


Written by: Kassi Cassidy

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company.

All rights reserved.

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© 2024 Vision Talent, a

company. All rights reserved.

Gain access to exclusive insights & events

© 2024 Vision Talent, a

company. All rights reserved.

Gain access to exclusive insights & events

© 2024 Vision Talent, a

company. All rights reserved.