Survey reveals 79% of hiring managers value human-centered competencies more than AI or technical skills for leadership roles.
A survey of 500 U.S. hiring managers and business leaders found that 60% have rejected qualified candidates due to weak people or communication skills. For leadership-track roles, 79% prioritize human-centered competencies over AI or technical abilities, despite business schools’ focus on AI fluency in recent years.
The survey also highlighted challenges in evaluating these skills, with 75% of employers stating soft skills are harder to assess reliably than technical ones. Additionally, 13% admit they do not formally evaluate human-centered leadership skills during hiring processes.
The findings underscore a persistent gap in how employers measure and value interpersonal skills, even as AI integration in business education accelerates.