When you think about how quickly AI is taking over the workplace in just about every industry, you want to make sure that any skills you acquire will be useful in just ten years. Thus, staying ahead of the curve is harder than it used to be. Here are the ten most important skills you’ll need in the workplace in the future.
1. Creativity
While artificial intelligence and robots may be able to replicate human actions in various ways, one thing they can’t compete with is creativity. The ability to generate ideas and develop new ways to do things is something unique to humankind. The creative process encourages new ways to do things as well as collaboration between coworkers. If you’re someone who can bring creativity to your workplace, you’ll be highly desired on the team.
2. Critical thinking
The workplace still needs employees who can analyze situations and come up with solutions. This is often referred to as critical thinking skills. If you can use reasoning and logic to evaluate arguments and articulate your position, then you’ll be able to dialogue about issues that may arise.
3. Emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence is commonly referred to as ‘EQ.’ It’s the ability to be aware of, control, and express your own emotions as well as the other people around you. You’re considered to have high emotional intelligence if you work well with others. You likely display empathy and integrity, and these traits can’t be replaced by AI either. Connecting with other human beings is still highly important in the workplace and will continue to be for years to come.
4. Judgment and decision making
Judgment and decision making are still highly necessary when moving forward in the workplace. AI can now process information and provide insights that would be next to impossible for humans. However, at the end of the day, it’s still humans who are making those calls and deciding what the next right step is. Having good judgment and the ability to make good decisions will set you apart. Technology isn’t replacing humans in that department just yet!
5. Interpersonal communication skills
Having the ability to communicate from person to person is crucial. If you can’t say what you want to say in the right tone of voice or with the right body language, how will you communicate with those you’re working with? This is an essential skill both in and out of the office.
6. Leadership skills
When employees possess leadership, it means that they can not only handle the work they have been given, but they can also handle another group of people. They may be inspiring or can help others in their work. Even if you’re not designated as a “leader” in your workplace, having leadership traits is incredibly flattering. It allows you to take on projects or assume a leadership role when necessary. If you’re someone who shows this every so often, your employer may identify this and utilize you in these scenarios more often. Leadership skills are incredibly useful, and they’re necessary for the future of the workforce.
7. Diversity and cultural intelligence
Diversity in the workplace is now sought out specifically—the more diversity in thought and in people, the better. Thus, having individuals who have a diverse mindset as well as diversity and cultural intelligence. If an employee isn’t able to work with various people, i.e., race, culture, language, age, political views, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, gender, etc., they won’t be worth keeping around. It’s now up to employees to make a workplace welcoming.
8. Technology skills
The 4th industrial revolution is upon us. It’s why artificial intelligence is changing the workplace. It’s why blockchains, big data, virtual reality, and other technological changes are pushing into our daily lives. Computers never used to be common in the workplace, and now we carry them around in our hands as smartphones. Today, having basic technology skills and a certain comfort level around the technology is of absolute importance. Anyone who doesn’t have these skills is missing something crucial in the workplace.
9. The ability to embrace change
Change is always coming. Whether you like it or not, you’ll have to adjust and roll with change when it does. If you’re not able to adapt and embrace change, you’ll get left behind. Employers are always seeking employees who are agile and willing to work within the situations they are given. Even if you have to shift workplaces, expectations, skill sets, or more, you’re still able to be effective despite the changes. Remember, change doesn’t always have to be a bad thing. It can also be an opportunity to grow!
10. Active learning with a growth mindset
If you’re not looking towards the future, you’re holding yourself back. Employers want employees who are actively looking to grow and push the company forward. Someone with a growth mindset understands how their own personal abilities and intelligence can be developed moving forward and actively do that to achieve more. Taking on challenges and learning from mistakes is part of having a growth mindset. It may not always be fun, but growth can be challenging. Stay positive! You can do it.
Final thoughts
Getting ahead in your career means adopting skills that will be useful in the future. You can no longer rely on skills that have gotten you up to this point. Artificial intelligence is eliminating entire industries. Embracing change and a growth mindset will be particularly advantageous as you adapt and maintain your career success. The main thing to remember? Never stop learning! This can help you continue to garner skills that set you ahead despite changes in the workplace or technology.
By Titu Sarder, President & CEO, LLTV, Inc