Objective Subjects being Subjectively Objective

I was asked the other day, why I wanted to train both children and corporates in using the "...softer arts when the world was all about profit and crunchable numbers" (their words, not mine).  

"Because the "softer arts" are what makes those numbers in the long run", I replied.  His puzzled look required me to elaborate which I hoped it would.

"Think of the traditional Tiger Mum and the school structure.  Schools measure aptitude by testing and grading, and the better the child is at that subject, the better marks he or she gets.  Now, the Tiger Mum isn't stupid; she knows that the easiest way to score high marks are in subjects where there is a black and white answer; objective subjects, if you will.." 

"Like maths and science", he interrupted.

"Yes, like maths and science", I continued.  "So, the typical process is that the traditional Tiger Mum pushes their child in the objective subjects, thereby forgoing the other subjects like art, drama and to a point, music."

"As the child grows up, they get fantastic grades at school, college or university, and then land themselves in a corporate office doing corporate tasks.  Process driven corporate tasks, essentially.  Which they again excel in."

"They reach middle management, and are in charge of a team.  A team of mixed personalities with their own wants, needs and quirks.  Then there's a promotion up for grabs, but he (or she) doesn't get it.  Why?"

"Because they haven't reached the budget or milestones, right? Because they're with non-process people", he answered.

"Good deduction! That's partially correct.  It's because of three main things:

1. they're used to things being either right or wrong, and if an outcome strays from that, they're less able to adapt as quickly,
   
2. with the same "right or wrong" thought, failure is seen as a negative, rather than a chance to be better.  So being more risk averse, they also stifle their entrepreneurial spirit which is required for innovation.  Companies love innovation as it places them in the market better, and
   
3. all that time spent on book smarts has limited their people smarts.  They can't read people that well, and hence, can't get them to collaborate or buy into their goals and ideas."
   

"So, I'm trying to make them more valuable to themselves and to their career or employer. That way, everybody wins.  They become an all-rounder", I conclude.

"I see that now, much like yourself, eh?" he replied.

"All rounder by nature, all rounder physique.  That's me!"