Amplifying Learning Development in Human Capability Advancement through Soft and Hard Skills

Abstract

This study review evolved in tandem with experiential learning in a group of next generation leaders. It emphasizes several practices in achieving soft and hard skills through identifying three core phases: awkwardness, awareness, and familiarity in practice. Kolb's experiential learning theory supports the paradigm of skills acquisition through experience, reflection, conceptualization, and experimentation. Skills acquisition is essential for development as a necessity for enhanced employability, enhanced productivity, and overall individual growth due to constant adaptation and learning. The review methods included a literature review approach by evaluating existing published findings on critical aspects of developing soft and hard skills, and receiving group feedback on experiential application. The panorama of aspects evaluated include understanding soft and hard skills, phases of practice in the skills development process, the role of practice in skills development, levels of thinking in translating theory into practice, critical, practical and creative thinking, reflective thinking, insight, foresight, hindsight, combining levels of thinking into practice. Collectively, the findings were intended to provide a detailed understanding of amplifying learning development and advancing human capabilities through soft and hard skills.  Hard skills are defined as the technical competencies required to perform tasks, and are acquired through knowledge. At the same time, soft skills are required to integrate the hard skills into practice. Notably, skills development occurs in phases, including awkwardness, consciousness, and assimilation. Practice also plays a critical role in skills development by helping the brain to translate knowledge into practical skills. Translating theory into practice also requires levels of thinking, including critical, practical, and reflective thinking. Creative thinking at the workplace involves establishing new, unique aspects by considering various perspectives of the problem to develop a solution. Reflective thinking is a critical soft skill that allows individuals to navigate an unpredictable situation, allowing for the evaluation of actions. In reflective thinking, insight involves developing a coherent and in-depth understanding of aspects that were not transparent previously. Foresight entails drawing from previous experiences to predict the future and solve problems based on the individual's understanding of the problem. Hindsight provides a comprehensive understanding of the consequences of previous experiences, emphasizing the accuracy of insight into a specific aspect of the business. In sum, skills development is an essential concept in the modern human resource and talent acquisition sector, and thereto, developing both soft and hard skills is essential as shown by the reviewed literature. Furthermore, it is vital to comprehend that skills development occurs in phases, all drawn from Kolb's experimental learning theory, including awkwardness, consciousness, and assimilation. Overall, the learning process is crucial as it ensures that an individual can eventually perform these skills autonomously.