Key points

Value isn’t inherent but mirrors social hierarchies of gender, race, and culture.

“Hard” skills drive promotions, while "soft" skills often remain sidelined as optional add-ons.

Undervaluing "soft" skills fuels frustration, burnout, impostor feelings, and diminished self-esteem.

A data scientist who writes flawless code might receive a bonus and public praise. The colleague who prevents a team conflict from escalating—by listening, empathizing, and guiding people back to collaboration —rarely gets the same recognition. One is seen as technically brilliant, the other as “just good with people.” Yet without both, the project would collapse.

Some skills earn money, prestige, and power. Others— caregiving , communication, and relational skills—are treated as optional extras

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