Soft skills – hard impact: “This coaching thing is all about people”
Authors: Sergio Lara-Bercial
First Published: 02 February 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.71006/ztdg2875
Abstract
This article explores how successful sport coaching hinges on soft skills and a people-first focus beyond technical know-how. Interpersonal, emotional, cognitive and values-based skills like communication, empathy and integrity are key to effective, ethical highperformance coaching. It frames soft skills via UNESCO, OECD and World Economic Forum as broad socioemotional competencies, with Serial Winning Coaches research highlighting vision, people and environment for sustainable success and athlete wellbeing.