Do you think that entry-level IT hires should receive training in foundational skills (like decision-making or problem-solving), or would you expect them to be proficient in those skills upon hire?

I think this is a lifelong learning opportunity that varies as careers evolve or change. Brand new staff who are have no work experience will need training in these basic soft foundational skills for sure. However, when moving into new roles, these same staff will need coaching or training in different soft skills in order to be successful in their new roles. Staff to supervisors; supervisors to managers; managers to directors; etc. As leaders who want to set up staff for success in their roles, I believe we should try to remember that each progression to a new level will require some type of training that is "foundational" to that new role.

Very much needed. Entry level hires need grooming before being absorbed in realtime projects

Yes, having those are foundational in nature and part of core skills. Not having them will affect effective delivery and sustain.

A leader supports their team and works with them to improve these "soft" skills, if they meet your technology experience needs. A manager believes it's not their duty to and their staff should find ways to improve.

I think entry-level IT hires should come in with a basic level of problem-solving, but expecting them to be fully proficient is unrealistic. The real value comes from giving them structured training that aligns with how the organization actually works. Foundational skills like decision-making develop much faster when new hires have context, mentorship, and real-world scenarios to practice with. So for me, it’s a mix: hire for potential, then invest in sharpening those core skills once they’re on the team