“Hard” technical skills usually require hardware or physical tools, while “soft” technical skills usually require “mind ware” or “mental tools.” Hardware may consist of anything from a bucket to a backhoe. For example, an automotive technician may use wrenches, electronic-diagnostics machines, and other physical tools while performing “hard skills.” Contrary, “soft” technical skills require mind ware or habits of thought. For example, that same automotive technician may use such soft technical skills as teamwork, common sense, estimating, and other mental tools while performing job tasks. To be sure, hard skills require some thought, and soft technical skills require some tools – pencils, paper, and computers come to mind.
Training in over 60 Soft Technical Skills© is available. The focus of each module is to make the mind ware or mental tools into habits of thought for your use on the job.