Underrated Skill in Management

June 15, 20252 min read

The Most Underrated Skill in Management? Human Skills.

In today’s fast-changing workplace, the conversation around leadership is shifting. Technical skills and strategic thinking remain important—but increasingly, it’s human skills that set effective leaders apart.

So, what exactly are human skills? Also known as soft skills, these include empathy, communication, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. They’re the skills that allow managers to build trust, navigate conflict, motivate teams, and lead with authenticity.

And yet, despite their critical role, human skills often get sidelined—especially in fast-paced, results-driven environments where output can seem more urgent than people.

Why Human Skills Matter More Than Ever

Research consistently shows that emotionally intelligent leaders outperform their peers. According to a report by Harvard Business Review, emotional intelligence is the strongest predictor of performance in leadership roles (Goleman, 2013). Leaders who can tune into the emotions and motivations of their teams are better equipped to inspire, connect, and influence.

Human Skills in management

In an era where remote teams, cross-cultural communication, and multigenerational workforces are the norm, these human-centric capabilities are no longer optional—they are essential.

Click Colours: A Practical Framework for Human Skills

This is where Click Colours enters the picture. Designed to simplify behavioural insights into an accessible, colour-based model, Click Colours helps leaders:

✅ Understand personality differences at a glance

✅ Adapt their communication styles to different people

✅ Anticipate and resolve conflict more effectively

✅ Lead with clarity, empathy, and influence

Each colour—Blue, Green, Red, and Yellow—represents a distinct personality preference. For example:

Blue types value harmony, empathy, and relationships

Green types focus on logic, process, and accuracy

Red types are action-oriented, decisive, and results-driven

Yellow types thrive on ideas, energy, and innovation

By learning to “read” these colours in themselves and others, managers gain powerful tools to engage their teams more effectively—whether they're onboarding new hires, giving feedback, or leading change.

Leadership in Action: Why Human Skills Work

In our workshops, we’ve seen how a simple shift in self-awareness can transform workplace dynamics. A manager who once struggled to connect with quieter team members begins to listen more attentively. A results-driven leader learns to adapt their tone when speaking to someone who needs more reassurance.

These are not just minor changes—they’re leadership breakthroughs that build psychological safety, reduce turnover, and elevate team performance.

Conclusion: The Future of Management Is People-First

As automation and AI take over routine tasks, what remains distinctly human—our ability to understand, connect, and lead—will become even more valuable.

Managers who invest in developing human skills will not only lead more effectively; they will also create workplaces where people thrive. And Click Colours offers a clear, proven pathway to build those skills.

Ready to Grow as a People-First Leader?

Discover how Click Colours training can help you or your leadership team unlock the full potential of human skills.

👉 Learn more or contact us today!

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