In Vietnam, professional achievement is moving away from solely relying on technical skills and formal education due to changes in corporate culture. As companies start to focus more on people and teams, the need for what is conventionally termed "soft skills" is increasing – skills related to empathy, cooperation, critical thinking, and adapting to deadlines and changes.

These abilities can also be gained through systematic soft skill training programs, which many professional trainers offer as workshops. In this blog, we will discuss the five critical soft skills that corporate professionals in Vietnam must develop to excel within the competitive Vietnamese workplace.

The five most critical Corporate Soft skills

1. Communication Skills

The ability to communicate is a vital element of any organisation and is one of the pillars of sustaining successful operations. It extends beyond sending memos or writing emails to clients and includes making presentations and participating in meetings.

Practical communication skills in Vietnam involve demonstrating respect, using an appropriate tone, and considering other cultural contextual considerations. Poor communication leads to many undesirable outcomes, including the loss of trust that is hard to regain, scarce opportunities coming the employee's way, and damaged business relationships. This is why corporate trainers contribute positively by enhancing professionals' communication, listening skills, and both verbal and non-verbal interactions.

What to pay attention to:

The use of words and language to convey ideas conveys meaning and purpose.

Conducting effective listening skills is an essential aspect of busy professionals and helps achieve objectives and success.

Cross-cultural social interactions and the dealing of different concepts within disciplines.

Physical signs and gestures of attention or movement ("body language").

2. Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

Emotional Intelligence refers to the impact of emotions on individuals, which may include understanding, awareness and control. In diverse work settings, it determines how well professionals manage trust, workplace integration, navigate social dynamics, conflict resolution, and many other essential workplace interactions.

In Vietnam, a culture that values harmony and consensus recognises emotional intelligence as an important skill in performing core collaboration and leadership functions within teams. Assessment and skills development in self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation may be acquired in soft skill training workshops facilitated by trained professionals.

Why is it important:

Increases productivity attainment by encouraging collaboration

Improvement of personal interactions/results.

Encouragement and nurturing in the created environment are present

Reduce incidents of frustration and anger.

A reduction in stress levels.

3. Flexibility and Problem Solving.

Businesses are constantly changing. Whether from new technology, shifts in the economy, or global crises, the modern corporate world is constantly undergoing change of some kind, requiring new problem-solving strategies.

In the fast-growing Vietnamese sectors, such as technology, finance, and manufacturing, there are many emerging opportunities for professionals who possess these skills, alongside nimbleness, strategic thinking, and an acceptance of ambiguity.

Soft skill training programs that focus on adaptability teach participants how to manage stress effectively, reframe challenges, and think creatively to overcome obstacles. A corporate trainer helps professionals learn how to make the most out of uncertain situations.

Key benefits:

Improved innovation and thinking ability

Better business challenge management

Increased creativity

Improved determination when dealing with obstacles

Swift decision making

4. Time Management and Productivity

In any corporate setting, time management is more than just completing tasks on a to-do list; it involves prioritising tasks effectively. It involves working smart to streamline processes while minimizing stress and improving one’s work-life balance. Highly skilled employees may face issues such as prioritisation, underestimating task delegation, and digital distractions.

For companies in Vietnam focused on improving operational efficiency, working with a corporate trainer on time management can yield significant results.

What trained professionals can learn:

Advanced prioritisation (Eisenhower Matrix or Pomodoro Technique)

Milestone and planning

Interruptions and digital overload management

Workspace optimization

5. Collaboration and Teamwork

Every professional requires collaboration and teamwork skills. The ability to interact professionally with coworkers, clients, or partners is a key skill, whether the meeting is virtual or in-person.

In Vietnam, companies typically focus on the success of the team, rather than that of a single person. But as diversity and differences in age increase, there can be disputes and things not lining up. An experienced corporate trainer in soft skills training can help teams accept differences and work together without conflict and with appreciation.

Why collaboration matters:

Promotes innovation by providing different perspectives and ideas; invention through innovation.

Focuses on reducing workplace friction and duplication of work

Improves team accountability

The worldwide corporate growth soft skills training: an asset or a differentiator?

The Vietnamese economy is rapidly developing, creating numerous new positions and roles alongside high expectations. Everyone wants to be hired, especially in a booming startup, but paradoxically, everyone also wants to hire others, as seen in established corporations like those in Hanoi. Mastering the theory helps get a candidate through the door, and command of soft skills up the corporate ladder. There is a growing shortage of empathic leaders, keen communicators, and agile collaborators.

Companies that invest in developing soft skills experience a return on investment through improved employee turnover rates, leadership pipeline readiness, and enhanced customer satisfaction.

A corporate trainer not only provides education but also implements change, aligning training with culture and business goals, blending practical insights with immediate applications that professionals can implement after employment.

Partnering with The Right Corporate Trainer

The best approach for learning soft skills is through experiences, rather than through slides and lectures. This makes selecting a corporate trainer all the more important.

When finding a trainer for your team in Vietnam, make sure they have:

A well-documented track record in adult learning

Experience in multiple industries

Emotional intelligence and cultural understanding

Willingness to provide ongoing feedback and track progress

KV Premraj is one such with the described credentials. He specialises in transformational training for individuals and organisations. His methods of corporate soft skill training focus on practical frameworks that utilise psychology and relevance to the sector, yielding meaningful changes in behaviour and performance.

Final Thoughts

In the modern, interlinked and competitive business environment, soft skills are fundamental skills everyone must be equipped with. For Vietnamese professionals and organisations, developing these skills helps them prepare for and shape the future.

Long-term success is determined by how well people work together, encompassing collaboration, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and effective time management.

If you want to transform your team, drive behavioural changes, and achieve incredible performance, start by investing in soft skills training for Vietnamese professionals. The improvements your team makes will astonish you.