Leadership Soft Skills in Higher Education Institutions

This study aims to explore the leadership soft skills are necessary needed for leaders in universities from the views of experienced leader in higher education institutions. For decades, the focus of management and leadership was on technical skills, i.e., the so-called ‘hard skills’. Technical skills are critical as to perform effectively within an organization. Nowadays, employees also need leaders with critical soft skills. These soft skills are more generic in nature and are the keys towards effective performance across job categories. The main purpose of this study is to answer the main question which is, what are the soft leadership skills required in higher educational institutions? Then, explain and interpret the implementation of the nine components of leadership soft skills, namely social power, trust, mentoring and coaching, prepare successions, supporting, intelligence, emotional intelligence, inspirational and cultural and diversity awareness. This study employed in depth observation with long experience in higher education leadership. Then, discuss on the effectiveness of the implementation soft skills development. Findings prove the importance and value of leadership soft skills in higher educational institutions. Additionally, provide information to assist administrators in developing high-quality interpersonal relationships with their associates and support staffs.