POWERSKILLS TO SECURE YOUR FUTURE

Change is affecting how work is done. Broadly, the experience economy, as well as technology and demographic developments, is redefining the workplace. The future workplace is about boosting work experience.

Change is altering the workforce. First, the gig economy is growing, and more individuals with in-demand talents are choosing to work on their own terms. Second, the rise of intelligent technology is resulting in a "blended workforce" comprising employees and AI helpers. It requires a new set of PowerSkills, not only digital literacy, but also human skills like emotional intelligence, people management, and learning to learn.

As the World Economic Forum (2016) has detailed, complex problem solving, critical thinking, and creativity will become the most crucial skills a worker can develop to obtain and retain a job. As new technologies, artificial intelligence, and automation replace jobs we thought were safe from automation—such as knowledge-based work in insurance, legal, and journalism professions—it will become increasingly important for workers to develop uniquely human skills

Soft skills, or "power skills," as they are commonly called, have gained importance in the professional world. While hard skills like budgeting, coding, analytics, and writing are still required for day-to-day success, soft skills training has consistently led to stronger leadership and long-term success.

Soft skills

We may use soft skills to maintain our own mental health as well as engage with others and navigate social settings.

Soft talents include

• Personal bias awareness

• Taking a call

• Empathy and resilience

• Communication

• Constructive criticism

• Mindfulness

Hard skills involve action, whereas soft skills focus on being or thinking.

Why not call them superpowers?

Studies show that excellent soft skills enhance productivity and retention by 12% and yield a 2500% return on investment. Another study found that emotional intelligence abilities account for roughly 90% of high-performing leader traits.

Training in soft skills promotes productive employees and leaders. By renaming soft skills "power skills," we dispel the myth that high-achieving people don't need them and emphasize their importance in the workplace.

What soft skills or power skills do employers seek?

According to an aggregated collection of industry papers, the top power talents companies strive for are:

• Communication

• Time-keeping

• Teamwork

• Research

• Setting goals Thinking creatively

• Mindset

• Skills in evaluation:

• Work ethic and tenacity

While these qualities may seem fundamental, one survey found that just 59% of US hiring managers thought it was difficult to discover applicants with soft skills. While not all employees are born with these talents, they may be cultivated with the correct training.

How do I help my team develop soft skills?

The best way to develop power skills is to keep studying while working. The ability to reflect, study, and practise power abilities is a talent that any employee may develop.

It's difficult to master many powerful skills at once. Start with a set of talents that correspond with your organization's ideals. Consider investing in an L & D platform that allows you to curate for certain learning objectives.

Manager participation has also been shown to improve employee engagement in skill development opportunities, so involve your leadership team.

Reference

Meister, J. (n.d.). 6 Power Skills for Jobs of the Future. Retrieved from https://www.investinwork.org/-/media/Project/Atlanta/IAW/Files/volume-one/Power-Skills-for-Jobs-of-the-Future.pdf

World Economic Forum (2016). The Future of Jobs. Cologny, Switzerland: World Economic Forum.

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