Training Tomorrow’s Leaders Today: Building Soft Skills in Gen Z Employees

As Generation Z enters the workforce with strong technical skills, some organizations are noticing a significant lack in essential soft skills such as communication, adaptability, emotional intelligence and conflict resolution. A recent Psychology Today article, The Soft Skills Dilemma for Gen Z in the Workplace by Nathan D Iverson, Ph.D., attributes Gen Z’s soft skills gap to their heavy digital upbringing and limited social development during the pandemic. He recommends that these young professionals and employers must prioritize intentional skill-building through mentorship, real-world experiences and structured programs. Without these, many young professionals may struggle to work collaboratively, handle feedback constructively or navigate interpersonal conflict—challenges that can hinder both individual and organizational performance.

“Growth happens outside your comfort zone. Proactively look for opportunities to practice soft skills.” — Nathan D Iverson, Ph.D.

Job seekers can take intentional steps to build these competencies. Hands-on experiences, such as leading small projects or engaging in group-based extracurricular activities, offer practical opportunities to build and strengthen interpersonal skills. Regular mentorship and feedback also play a crucial role, helping young professionals build adaptability and self-awareness. TRACOM’s Behavioral EQ® program supports this growth by teaching individuals to manage emotions, read social cues and respond with empathy—skills essential for effective collaboration and leadership.

“Mentoring is a two-way street. Pairing Gen Z employees with experienced colleagues (either formally or through cross-functional projects) benefits both parties.” — Nathan D Iverson, Ph.D.

Employers are also responsible for supporting soft skills development among Gen Z hires. Onboarding programs should go beyond technical training to include workshops on communication styles and team collaboration. TRACOM’s SOCIAL STYLE® Model provides a valuable framework for understanding and adapting to different interpersonal dynamics, allowing young professionals to navigate diverse workplace relationships better. Additionally, TRACOM’s Adaptive Mindset® for Resilience and Agility programs help employees handle stress and change more effectively, key areas where Gen Z may need additional support.

Finally, organizations can foster development by integrating soft skills into performance goals and daily operations. Offering growth opportunities—such as assigning young employees leadership tasks or facilitating cross-generational mentoring—enables real-world practice. TRACOM’s training solutions help embed these competencies into company culture, enhancing individual performance and team effectiveness. By aligning hiring, training and evaluation with these principles, organizations can unlock the full potential of their Gen Z talent while building a more agile and emotionally intelligent workforce.