With the advancement of AI, the introduction of ChatGPT, and the wave of conversations all over news outlets, in boardrooms, and on social media platforms discussing the workplace of the future; I began thinking – what IS the way forward when it comes to talent management and the evolution of global business?
Should we all just be scared and/or resigned to the idea of robots taking our jobs?
Will the need for talent cease?
Is the future of work a reality that is unwelcoming to the diverse backgrounds, interests, and ideas people have to offer?
Anyone who knows me will tell you that defeat isn’t part of my vocabulary, and I don’t much care for philosophical solutions with no basis in practical reality.
So, let’s get real.
Understanding the trends and clarifying the skills needed for the future workplace will likely change as technology and society evolve. However, some skills that are likely to be in high demand in the future include:
1. Technical skills
The need for proficiency in technologies such as AI, Machine Learning, Robotics, the Internet of Things, Cybersecurity, Social Media, Digital Marketing, Data Analytics, etc. will continue to rise.
Most important, will be the ability to analyze and interpret data to solve problems and make key decisions on how best to leverage the current and upcoming technology to gain an advantage in the market.
2. Problem-solving, critical thinking, and innovation
The ability to identify and solve problems, think critically, come up with new ideas and pull inspiration from unlikely places will be as valuable as ever.
To add to the importance of creativity and critical thinking, we will need to learn how to refine the methods in which we communicate, find ways to be more effective, and invite further collaboration with others, both in-person and remotely.
3. Adaptability and learning
The ability to adapt to new technologies, processes, and ways of working, as well as the willingness to continuously learn and develop new skills will have to become our new normal.
To be successful in this new world, where age, geography, language, etc. are no longer restraints – the possibilities are endless! It will be our own internal motivation to continuously learn at any level or age that will create opportunities.
4. Emotional intelligence and leadership:
The ability to understand, manage and express our emotions, and hold spaces for others to express their own will create avenues for teams and projects to succeed.
Beyond the technical requirements to do business, there is a real need to understand how to motivate others. Leaders will need to move beyond issuing marching orders and prioritize developing the skill needed to inspire.
Only through emotional intelligence and strong culture building will leaders be able to solicit superior output from their teams - and this will be the true differentiator.
The future of work WILL require human skills such as empathy, creativity, critical thinking, and adaptability.
AI may be able to give us the best frameworks, but it will be on us to use our emotional intelligence and create spaces in which there is respect and appreciation for diversity and creativity, allowing for ideas to come to life.
Building the bridges between the technical world and that of human ability has, and always will be ours to manage.
In this new world, the opportunities will only grow. To be part of the journey, we must be open-minded, be ready to unfreeze our own thinking of what’s possible, and believe that we are only now discovering what we are capable of.