Over the years, the modern workplace has systematically devalued soft skills, instead favoring technical know-how and experience—particularly in the case of leadership. However, these oft-overlooked competencies are at the root of exceptional leadership, and smart organizations are starting to recognize the importance of soft skills in managerial roles. According to a recent study conducted by LinkedIn, companies are looking for five soft skills in their leaders. The first is creativity; the ability to look at problems from a fresh perspective and consider unorthodox solutions is critical to organizational success, and hiring managers are prioritizing this trait in candidates they consider. The ability to communicate persuasively also ranks high on their lists. Collaboration, adaptability, and emotional intelligence fill out the list, which demonstrates that the capacity to see, hear, understand, and react are all qualities that make for great leadership.