The Essential Skills for Behavior Analysts: Hard vs. Soft Skills
Behavior analysts, particularly Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), require a mix of technical expertise and interpersonal abilities to be effective in their roles. While most BCBAs receive extensive training in applied behavior analysis (ABA) principles, there is growing evidence that soft skills play a critical role in workplace success.
A recent study by Landon S. Cowan and Tiffany Kodak (2024) explored the importance of professional skills among behavior analysts, identifying key areas of strength and improvement (DOI: 10.1007/s40617-023-00823-y). Let’s dive into the findings and what they mean for current and aspiring BCBAs.
What Are Hard and Soft Skills?
Hard Skills: The Technical Foundation
Hard skills are the job-specific, teachable abilities that behavior analysts master through education and certification. Some of the most essential hard skills include:
- Conducting functional behavior assessments (FBAs)
- Developing and implementing behavior intervention plans (BIPs)
- Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting behavioral data
- Using reinforcement strategies to increase positive behaviors
- Supervising and training behavior technicians
These skills are required for certification as a BCBA and are emphasized in coursework, supervision, and the certification exam.
Soft Skills: The Human Element
Soft skills, on the other hand, are the interpersonal and organizational abilities that influence a behavior analyst’s effectiveness in real-world settings. Key soft skills for BCBAs include:
- Communication – Clearly conveying information to clients, caregivers, and team members
- Empathy – Understanding and responding to the emotional needs of clients and families
- Time Management – Balancing multiple cases, paperwork, and deadlines
- Problem-Solving – Identifying and resolving challenges independently
- Collaboration – Working effectively with teams, including caregivers and educators
- Flexibility – Adapting to the needs of clients and unexpected changes
- Conflict Resolution – Managing disagreements within teams and with caregivers
- Providing and Receiving Feedback – Engaging in constructive conversations to improve performance
While hard skills can be taught through coursework, soft skills require practice and self-awareness.
Study Findings: Where Do BCBAs Excel and Struggle?
Cowan and Kodak (2024) surveyed BCBAs and supervisors to identify trends in professional skills. Their findings revealed strengths in technical skills but inconsistencies in soft skills.
Key Areas Where BCBAs Excel
- Strong command of technical ABA principles
- Effective data collection and analysis
- Competence in designing individualized behavior plans
Most BCBAs demonstrate proficiency in these areas due to rigorous certification requirements. However, technical expertise alone does not guarantee success in the field.
Common Soft Skill Deficits
Supervisors reported that many behavior analysts struggle with soft skills that impact workplace performance and client relationships. The top five soft skills in need of improvement were:
- Independent problem-solving
- Identifying problems and proposing solutions
- Balancing task completion with relationship-building
- Time management
- Flexibility
Without these skills, BCBAs may struggle to navigate complex workplace dynamics, collaborate effectively, and manage their workload.
Soft Skills That Lead to Promotion and Career Growth
Beyond competence in ABA techniques, certain soft skills significantly impact career advancement. Supervisors identified the top five soft skills most likely to lead to promotion:
- Independent problem-solving – Taking initiative and resolving challenges without constant supervision
- Relationship-building – Establishing trust and positive interactions with clients, caregivers, and colleagues
- Professional communication – Clearly and professionally conveying information in person, via email, and in reports
- Strategic prioritization – Managing time effectively by focusing on high-impact tasks
- Hard skill proficiency – Demonstrating strong knowledge and application of ABA principles
Budding and current behavior analysts who want to grow in their careers should prioritize these soft skills.
How Organizations Can Support Skill Development
Many organizations recognize the need to address skill deficits in their staff. The study found that employers typically respond to underdeveloped soft skills in the following ways:
- Training and Workshops – Offering professional development sessions focused on communication, time management, and problem-solving
- Mentorship Programs – Pairing new BCBAs with experienced mentors to guide skill development
- Performance Feedback – Providing structured feedback sessions to highlight areas of improvement
- Self-Reflection Exercises – Encouraging behavior analysts to assess their own strengths and growth areas
If you are a BCBA or aspiring to become one, consider actively seeking mentorship, attending soft skills training, and practicing self-reflection to improve these critical abilities.
Final Thoughts: Striking a Balance Between Hard and Soft Skills
While mastering the technical aspects of ABA is essential, BCBAs who lack strong interpersonal and organizational skills may struggle to thrive in their roles. The findings from Cowan and Kodak (2024) highlight the importance of developing both hard and soft skills for success in behavior analysis.
If you are currently working in the field or preparing for your certification, consider these key takeaways:
- Your knowledge of ABA is vital, but your ability to communicate, collaborate, and problem-solve will set you apart.
- Actively work on time management and flexibility, as these are areas where many BCBAs struggle.
- Employers value independent problem-solving and relationship-building, so developing these skills can enhance career growth.
To read the full study and explore more about the role of professional skills in behavior analysis, check out the original research by Cowan and Kodak (DOI: 10.1007/s40617-023-00823-y).
By focusing on both technical and interpersonal growth, behavior analysts can not only improve their career prospects but also provide more effective and compassionate support to the individuals they serve.
