Career expert Andrea Kay stresses that knowing oneself and showing empathy are important components of the soft skills that make people employable: "Many many jobs are lost and careers derailed because of the way people act with each other, respond or deal with a to stress conflict. If you don't understand how you come across, or get swept away in your emotions, or don't recognize how others feel, how can approach a difficult conversation with sensitivity to the other person? Have you ever been surprised at how you came across to others or misread another person's feelings?