When it comes to education, there's often a heavy emphasis on academic achievement and technical skills. But in today's rapidly changing workforce, employers are increasingly looking for candidates who have strong "soft skills" such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability.

This is why it's important for schools and universities to not only focus on academic rigor, but also on developing the whole student. By emphasizing the importance of soft skills and providing opportunities for students to practice and develop them, educational institutions can better prepare their graduates for success in the workplace.

Here are a few reasons why soft skills matter:

1. They're in high demand: As mentioned, employers are increasingly looking for candidates with strong soft skills. In fact, a recent study by LinkedIn found that 57% of leaders say that soft skills are more important than technical skills.

2. They improve collaboration and teamwork: Soft skills such as communication, empathy, and conflict resolution can help students work effectively with others. This is especially important in today's collaborative work environments.

3. They promote adaptability and innovation: Soft skills such as adaptability and creativity can help students navigate uncertainty and come up with innovative solutions to problems. In today's fast-paced and ever-changing world, these skills are essential.

So how can schools and universities help students develop their soft skills? Here are a few strategies:

1. Incorporate soft skills training into the curriculum: This could include courses or workshops on communication, teamwork, and leadership.

2. Provide opportunities for experiential learning: Internships, service-learning projects, and other forms of experiential learning can help students practice and develop their soft skills in real-world settings.

3. Foster a supportive and inclusive campus culture: A positive and inclusive campus culture can help students feel more comfortable practicing and developing their soft skills. This could include mentorship programs, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and other forms of support.

In short, developing the whole student means emphasizing the importance of both academic achievement and soft skills. By doing so, educational institutions can help their graduates succeed not only in their careers, but also in their personal lives.