In every industry and sector there is a wide range of technical skills and a large bank of knowledge and understanding that all professional workers need. Many of the technical skills, and much of the knowledge base, can be built initially through higher education and then through further training and development. This might be via in-house training events or through the enormous range of face-to-face and online courses and qualifications now available.
But simply developing technical skills, important as they undoubtedly are, will not be enough in today’s business world. Soft skills, also known quite rightly as ‘power skills’, are becoming increasingly essential. This article looks at five of these power skills that all workers will need in the coming five years and beyond, and suggests just a few ways in which organisations might develop these skills.
Emotional Intelligence (EI) is a vital skill set that encompasses an individual’s ability to recognise, understand, manage and utilise their own emotions as well as the emotions of others in a productive manner. This concept was popularised by psychologist and author Daniel Goleman in his 1995 book “Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ” (Goleman, 1995). In today’s complex and diverse business landscape, EI plays an increasingly important role in fostering effective communication, collaboration and decision making within organisations.
Emotionally intelligent individuals are better equipped to navigate challenging interpersonal situations, adapt to change and empathise with team members, which undoubtedly contributes to a healthier and more productive work environment. They can successfully manage conflicts, motivate and inspire others and build strong relationships with both colleagues and clients. Moreover, EI helps leaders to be more self-aware, enabling them to assess their own strengths and weaknesses, and to adapt their leadership style accordingly. Many believe that developing emotional intelligence can be a way to ward off burnout in work situations.
In an era where soft skills are highly valued, cultivating emotional intelligence is crucial for both personal and professional success. Companies that prioritise EI training and development are poised to reap the benefits of increased employee engagement, improved performance and enhanced innovation.
Creativity and Innovation are indispensable forces that drive success in the modern business world. According to the seminal work by management expert Peter Drucker in his book “Innovation and Entrepreneurship” (Drucker, 1985), creativity is the generation of novel and original ideas, while innovation is the process of translating these ideas into practical and valuable solutions, products or services. In today’s highly competitive global market, fostering creativity and innovation has become essential for businesses to differentiate themselves, gain a competitive edge and ensure long-term sustainability.
In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, businesses must constantly adapt and evolve to meet changing consumer demands and stay ahead of the curve. Creativity and innovation play crucial roles in driving product development, improving operational efficiency and generating new business models. By embracing a culture of creativity, organisations can encourage employees to think outside the box and develop groundbreaking ideas.
The successful implementation of innovative strategies can also lead to increased market share, enhanced customer satisfaction and sustainable revenue growth. To foster a thriving environment for creativity and innovation, businesses must invest in employee training and development, provide necessary resources and cultivate a culture that encourages risk-taking and experimentation.
Critical thinking is the cognitive process of actively and objectively analysing information to make reasoned judgments and informed decisions. It involves evaluating evidence, identifying biases, and considering alternative perspectives, ultimately leading to logical conclusions. In their book “Critical Thinking: The Nature of Critical and Creative Thought” (Paul & Elder, 2006), Richard Paul and Linda Elder highlight the importance of critical thinking skills in various aspects of life, including business.
In today’s rapidly changing business environment, critical thinking has become a key skill for success. It enables professionals to make better decisions, solve problems efficiently, and adapt to new situations. By employing critical thinking, leaders can identify potential risks and opportunities, evaluate the feasibility of strategies and make informed choices that drive growth and innovation. Developing a culture of critical thinking within an organisation fosters a proactive and resilient workforce, capable of addressing challenges and capitalising on opportunities in an increasingly competitive market..
Collaboration and teamwork are essential components of organisational success, as they involve individuals working together towards a common goal, sharing knowledge and leveraging diverse skill sets. In his influential work “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” (Lencioni, 2002), Patrick Lencioni emphasises the significance of building cohesive and high-performing teams in today’s business environment.
In an increasingly interconnected and globalised world, businesses must adapt to complex challenges and capitalise on opportunities. Collaboration and teamwork facilitate the exchange of ideas, promote creativity and innovation, and enhance problem-solving capabilities. When employees effectively collaborate, they can harness their collective intelligence and generate significantly better solutions than they would individually.
By fostering a culture of teamwork, organisations can improve employee engagement, job satisfaction and overall productivity. Effective collaboration also helps to minimise conflicts, streamline decision-making processes and maximise resource utilisation. As businesses continue to navigate a rapidly evolving landscape, prioritising collaboration and teamwork remains essential to ensuring long-term success and sustainability.
Adaptability and flexibility are crucial traits that enable individuals and organisations to adjust and thrive in the face of change. In his book “Who Moved My Cheese?” (Johnson, 1998), Spencer Johnson highlights the importance of embracing change and cultivating adaptability to achieve success in an ever-evolving world.
In today’s dynamic business environment, characterised by rapid technological advancements, market fluctuations and shifting consumer demands, adaptability and flexibility have become essential for survival and growth. Companies must be able to quickly pivot their strategies, processes and products to remain competitive and seize emerging opportunities.
Adaptability in employees allows them to develop new skills, embrace different roles and contribute to organisational resilience. Flexibility supports cross-functional collaboration, fosters innovation, and enables businesses to navigate challenges more effectively. Cultivating a culture of adaptability and flexibility empowers organisations to stay agile, maintain a competitive edge and ensure long-term success in an increasingly complex global marketplace.
