Sharp Skills (Soft Skills): The Key to Thriving in International Relocations

When relocating for work, most people focus on packing, visas, and logistics. But according to international business communication expert Dan Bolger, your greatest asset abroad isn’t in your suitcase, it’s in your “sharp skills.” 

From “Soft” to “Sharp” Skills

Many organizations dismiss cultural training and interpersonal abilities as “soft skills.” Dan disagrees. Drawing from years of assignments in the Balkans, Central Asia, and beyond, he prefers the term “sharp skills”  because they need to be honed, practiced, and refined constantly. 

“Judgment, patience, adaptability, cultural sensitivity… these are not optional extras,” says Dan. “They’re the tools you rely on every day when working in a foreign environment.” 

Why Sharp Skills Matter in Relocation

Relocating internationally means navigating new rules, both written and unwritten. From business etiquette to local customs, sharp skills help you: 

• Build trust quickly with colleagues and community members. 

• Adapt to uncertainty when plans or systems differ from what you’re used to. 

• Communicate effectively across language and cultural barriers. 

• Lead with empathy in multicultural teams. 

A Case from the Field

When Dan arrived in Albania for his role at the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, there was no formal orientation, no relocation service, and only three days to find a place to live. 

His ability to network, improvise, and remain open-minded, all sharp skills, made the difference between a rough landing and a successful start. 

How to Hone Your Sharp Skills Before You Move 

Even if your employer doesn’t provide formal cultural training, you can prepare by: 

• Learning about the history, politics, and social norms of your new home. 

• Practicing active listening to better understand local perspectives. 

• Expanding your patience and flexibility when problem-solving. 

• Strengthening your networking abilities, both locally and back home. 

The Takeaway

Relocation success isn’t just about knowing your job, it’s about knowing how to work, live, and connect in a new cultural environment. 

As Dan puts it: “Sharp skills aren’t soft — they’re essential.”
With the right mindset and preparation, you can not only survive an international assignment, you can thrive in it. 

Berlitz offers the cultural and language training that helps professionals sharpen these skills before they take on global roles. Get ready to start your assignment confident, prepared, and fluent — in every sense of the word.