The way we work, interact with our colleagues and other stakeholders, and the way we think about our skills and how to apply them — are all undergoing transformation. Among the drivers of this revolution in global employment are connectivity, smart machines, and the new media. The Institute for the Future (IFTF) in collaboration with Apollo Research Institute foresee and explain why in a technologically advanced world, the skills that we will be looking for in the next decade will be different. Let’s explore together the critical skills for a successful career.
Sense-making
The rise of smart machines and systems has automated many tasks that were previously conducted by workers. But the influence that machines have in our professional and private lives brings us in front of a big question: What are we humans unique at, and how can we use robotics to empower our capabilities? Sense-making — our ability to analyse, criticise, and find the deeper meaning in things — is coming first in the list of top ten skills that will be in high demand in the future. The idea is to work alongside machines for our benefit, rather than consider them as a threat.
Social intelligence
Being logical and resourceful won't be enough by itself. In a world where global interactions and diversity are at the centre of the corporate sphere, the ability to connect with others, understand their feelings and needs, and adapt your words and gestures will be a big plus for international team members.
Novel and adaptive thinking
We have heard many times in job interviews, the interviewees describing their ability to “think outside the box”, as one of their biggest strengths. But in practice, what does this mean, and why it's such an important skill for the future workforce? Innovative thinking goes together with creativity — on one hand we come up with an idea, and on the other hand we make it happen. Employees with novel and adaptive thinking are the ones the company will rely on for solving problems, developing new strategies, and surpassing the competition.
Cross-cultural competency
Organizations are looking to expand beyond national borders, and are relying on people coming from different walks of life — different professional backgrounds, cultures, and even generations come together towards a common goal. In such a context, the ability to operate in different cultural settings, to fluently communicate in more than one languages, and to easily adapt to unique circumstances will be highly appreciated by the employment market.
Computational thinking
Processing data and information isn't only relevant to businesses and multinational organizations. In our everyday life we use and make sense of data — sometimes without even being aware of it. Think of global positioning systems (GPS) for example — a mechanism full of data that we use to successfully reach our final destination. In a professional level, there will be high demand for people who are able to analyse statistics and interpret quantitative information — as proficiently as we are currently able to use Microsoft Office.
New-media literacy
The social media have skyrocketed, and with them has our engagement in online activities, such as visual communication, instant messaging, online identity management, and live information consumption. Thus, there's now more than ever the urgency to apply our critical thinking, and filter the information before we internalise it, or communicate it to others. New-media literacy is the ability to assess and develop content, and to use it for effective communication and growth.
Transdisciplinarity
The world might be coming closer, but the global problems are complex and challenging. Matters such as global warming, refugee crisis, and security demand the collaboration of multiple disciplines. Thus, transdisciplinarity — the ability to understand concepts from different specialities — will be of great advantage to teams and companies that are ambitious to make a big impact.
Virtual collaboration
Cloud computing — the booming technology that allows for live communication among physically separated teams, data synchronisation, and remote working — brings onto the surface the need for a new skill. Virtual collaboration is the ability to work productively and engage as a member of a virtual team. People with virtual collaboration skills will be strong candidates for team leading positions where the teams are dispersed, and need strategies and motivation in order to produce high quality work.
Cognitive load management
Information is coming to us from all sides in abundance — from our devices, our colleagues, our environment. There will be need for people who can filter information, evaluate, and organise it in order of importance. The process is assisted by a variety of tools and techniques, but knowledge of those is what will make a difference in someone's resume.
Design mindset
Teams and companies usually have in mind an ultimate goal that they strive to achieve, and the work that is produced should aim at supporting this goal. Thus, a design mindset will be an asset to a company that is reconsidering traditional methods, and is looking into development strategies and new talent. A design mindset continuously reviews the business' goals, and directs teams and tasks towards them, suggests new strategies, and raises awareness of how one person's work can (and will) affect the final result.
