Nine Out Of 10 Leaders Say Life Skills More Important Than AI/Technical Skills

Leadership Strategies Nine Out Of 10 Leaders Say Life Skills More Important Than AI/Technical Skills By Shep Hyken ,

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Shep Hyken is a customer service/CX expert, author & keynote speaker. Follow Author Jul 26, 2026, 08:00am EDT --:-- / --:-- This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more . This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more . Summary Despite the rapid integration of AI into workplaces, a High Point University study of over 500 C-suite executives reveals that "life skills" remain the top predictor of success. Executives overwhelmingly prioritize emotional intelligence, work ethic, and problem-solving for hiring and leadership, with 90% affirming their importance. A striking 75% would choose a candidate strong in life skills over one with only AI technical abilities. While AI proficiency is valued, 87% of leaders believe the ideal professional balances both. This highlights that AI amplifies human capabilities, making these harder-to-teach life skills even more critical for thriving in the evolving technological landscape, reinforcing that timeless leadership qualities are paramount.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is now part of almost every conversation at work. Companies are racing to adopt it, and employees, trying to stay relevant, are scrambling to learn it.

Even as AI is becoming an important and, in some cases, required workplace skill, C-suite executives still believe the biggest predictor of long-term success isn’t technical ability. It’s life skills such as emotional intelligence, work ethic, coachability, motivation, problem-solving, professionalism and the ability to get along with others.

While almost every company wants employees who can use AI, when it comes to who actually gets hired, promoted and trusted to lead, a new study says the winning ingredient isn’t a degree or certificate in AI and prompt engineering. It’s life skills.

High Point University’s Research Center recently released findings from its life skills and AI survey that included more than 500 C-suite executives. As we continue the journey into the age of technology and AI, it’s important to understand what leaders think are the most important skills employees need (unless they are being hired for AI-specific responsibilities).

HPU’s president, Nido Qubein, notes the importance of teaching life skills, not just book skills, and says, “We are intensely focused on the success of our students and work tirelessly to ensure the education we provide fits the needs of the competitive marketplace. This is why HPU has surveyed business leaders over the years for their feedback, and the results reaffirm our mission as The Premier Life Skills University. Even in the midst of artificial intelligence changing the workplace, employers continue to tell us they need graduates equipped with life skills that outlast inevitable technological disruption.”

When executives were asked, “In the world of AI, do life skills like emotional intelligence, work ethic, motivation and collaboration still matter when hiring candidates?” The results were overwhelmingly positive for life skills, as 90% of the C-suite said, “Yes.” Life Skills Are Crucial to Career Success

When asked to choose between a candidate with solely AI technical skills and one with life skills, the winner is the candidate with life skills, with 75% of C-suite execs choosing the candidate with life skills.

Even with the emphasis on life skills, you can’t discount the importance of AI skills. When asked, “What percentage makes up the ideal leader in your organization?”, just 7% of executives said 100% life skills, and the same number, 7%, said the same of AI skills. The rest (87%) said leaders need both.

Life Skills Are Harder to Teach Organizations can teach employees to use new software and provide AI training courses. But teaching someone to accept feedback, collaborate with difficult personalities, stay motivated during setbacks and develop general leadership qualities is far more difficult.

Nearly half of executives believe today’s college grads arrive with stronger AI and technical skills than life skills. An educational background that goes beyond book smarts and AI technological savvy becomes crucial to a college graduate looking for a job or an employee who is on a path to the C-suite. While it’s all important, when two people are being considered for a job or a promotion, the candidate with education that includes life skills has the edge.

A big misconception is that AI reduces the importance of human jobs. I’ve repeatedly said that AI will not replace humans. I’ve written in prior Forbes articles that AI will make you and your company more of who you already are .

AI amplifies capability. Someone who possesses the life skills already mentioned will find that using AI the right way enhances those skills. That idea crosses over into the way an organization conducts business. The difference between customer experience and operational efficiency is a good example. If a company is highly focused on customer experience, its AI strategy will help it create a better experience. If the company is more focused on operational efficiencies without regard for the customer experience, AI will help it become more efficient while eroding the customer experience.

Even Steve Wozniak, an electrical engineer, computer programmer and co-founder of Apple with Steve Jobs, agrees with the HPU survey, saying, “Individuals with AI skills are valuable, but those also equipped with life skills are the most in-demand professionals in the workforce. This latest poll underscores HPU’s continued focus on life skills education.”

If the research tells us anything, it’s that technology hasn’t changed what great leadership looks like. It has put a spotlight on the qualities that have always mattered.

The leaders who thrive won’t be those who know the most prompts or how to use the newest A...

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