First of all, soft skills can be trained. But most importantly, a...
Pretiosa periculis@GacheriNdumba
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Aug 14, 2026
~2 min read
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First of all, soft skills can be trained.
But most importantly, a lot of what we end up calling soft skills in our current job market is class signifiers.
I talked about this a long time ago when I talked about “accent based proficiency” in hiring.
But most importantly, a lot of what we end up calling soft skills in our current job market is class signifiers.
I talked about this a long time ago when I talked about “accent based proficiency” in hiring.
Ochieng' Amos@ochiamos
@MeranSays I think the point being communicated is that soft skills should be applied to give people on the same skill level and expertise an edge. What other firms do is to elevate soft skills above technical know-how, thereby disregarding the work put in by people who lack soft skills.
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For exsampo: Communication skills mean the ability to explain something clearly, listen, negotiate, or persuade. That is trainable.
Huku inakaanga ni using the “right” register plus accent of English and appearing effortlessly polished rather technically proficient.
Huku inakaanga ni using the “right” register plus accent of English and appearing effortlessly polished rather technically proficient.
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Confidence is the ability to express your views, make decisions, tolerate disagreement and operate effectively despite uncertainty NOT comfort around authority which is what gets rewarded so candidates socialised to be more deferential are punished.
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Professionalism ni reliability, accountability, respect for colleagues, good judgement and consistently delivering work.
Instead recruiters screen for already knowing the etiquette of white-collar professional environments (which can be trained during onboarding and probation.)
Instead recruiters screen for already knowing the etiquette of white-collar professional environments (which can be trained during onboarding and probation.)
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HAP SANA: Cultural fit is values and working style compatible with the organisation NOT class familiarity.
If everyone in the organisation comes from similar schools, and SEC it is screened as someone who shares their humour, references and conversational style.
If everyone in the organisation comes from similar schools, and SEC it is screened as someone who shares their humour, references and conversational style.
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Good judgement is simple the ability to make sound decisions with incomplete information and absorb consequences.
Imekuwa class-coded ideas of what is tasteful, sensible or appropriate. (this is a special as far as presentation is concerned.)
Imekuwa class-coded ideas of what is tasteful, sensible or appropriate. (this is a special as far as presentation is concerned.)
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An entry-level role just needs someone who understands that work should be accurate, deadlines matter, instructions should be followed, and mistakes should be acknowledged and corrected.
I understand needing a selection criteria but I oppose making that criteria class based.
I understand needing a selection criteria but I oppose making that criteria class based.
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The funny thing is that the people enforcing it ni WATU WA KUKAM.
Someone who themselves climbed into the professional class through a non-traditional route is policing accent, vocabulary, dress, school pedigree, confidence, and “polish” zenye hata yeye hakuna nazo.
Someone who themselves climbed into the professional class through a non-traditional route is policing accent, vocabulary, dress, school pedigree, confidence, and “polish” zenye hata yeye hakuna nazo.
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*hakuwa nazo