In my experience, non-cognitive skills are definitely a big boost to your career. However, the real need is for people with both cognitive AND non-cognitive skills: if you can understand something intrinsically through your cognitive skills, you can leverage your non-cognitive skills to lead a group of people with high cognitive skills.
That leadership piece is what's in demand; and IMO that requires strength in both areas.
That leadership piece is what's in demand; and IMO that requires strength in both areas.