Soft skills refer to personal aptitudes and attitudes, such as being a good listener and communicator, that affect how people perceive you in the workplace and strongly influence workplace relationships.

WSJ: Cultivating Your 'Soft Skills' Can Help You Get Ahead in Your Job

It is widely said in Caracas that Mr Chavez is a great communicator, a quick learner, a good listener, and a pragmatic realist.

ECONOMIST: Chavez’s muddled new world | The