Future Skills

It is said Change is constant. In today’s world where change is happening at a rapid pace with new technologies coming up and impacting life for betterment. As technology brings change in Professional and Personal life it is important to learn and understand the use of it in day-to-day activities and also learn new skills to adapt it.

As per the World Economic Forum (WEF) study, with rapid changes happening globally due to rapid change in technology, change in approach towards globalization due to the Pandemic, climate change, and geopolitical changes, WEF has shared some of the future skills which will be required till 2030 for the human being to be ready to adapt to changes. It is important that these skills are built among the young students while they are studying in their undergraduate or graduate programs and built-in as part of the curriculum, which will help them become aware of the skills required and also develop for future work requirements. Shared below are skills that are expected to be required in industry and need to be built to be effective and ready for change for all students and corporate employees in their professional and personal lives.

Below are mentioned future skills required:

Creative Thinking – It is the ability to generate innovative and original ideas, solutions, or concepts. This skill is developed based on taking an approach by using limited resources and finding out new ways to use or develop products. 

Analytical Thinking – It is the ability to systematically break down complex problems, into smaller components, examine them critically, and draw logical conclusions based on evidence and data. In today’s world, it is one of the most important cognitive skill sets required.

Artificial Intelligence & Big Data – Big Data and AI (Artificial Intelligence) are two distinct but interconnected concepts in the realm of technology and data processing. The use of big data and AI is growing so fast and its impact on day-to-day life is making things change it is important for all that adapting and learning the use of the technology will make an individual effective at work. In the future, anyone who ever adapts and uses it effectively will differentiate in career growth.  

Leadership and Social Influence – Leadership is the ability to inspire and influence others towards a common goal or vision. It involves taking charge, making decisions, and guiding a group of people or an organization to achieve objectives effectively and efficiently. Developing leadership skills is an important area for career growth and this can only happen by understanding the concepts, knowledge practice, and learning on the job.

Social influence is the ability to affect the thoughts, feelings, or behaviors of others through direct or indirect means. This influence can be exerted through persuasion, coercion, social norms, or other forms of social interaction. This is part of emotional Intelligence, which is an extremely important skill needed to develop for lifelong professional and personal life.

Resilience, Flexibility and Agility – Resilience is the ability to withstand and recover from adversity, stress, or difficult situations. It involves maintaining mental and emotional strength during tough times. In today’s ever-changing time and facing challenging situations it is important to develop this important area. 

Flexibility is the ability to adapt and adjust to changing circumstances or unexpected situations. It involves being open to new ideas and approaches. Developing this capability is an important piece for all as changes in all aspects of life keep happening and impacting it’s important to accept the change and that is possible by adapting the same. 

Agility is the ability to respond quickly and effectively to rapidly changing conditions or opportunities. It involves being proactive and resourceful in uncertain environments. There is a lot of focus in the corporate world on being agile and making decisions with changing scenarios. Developing this skill will help in adapting to uncertain situations.

Curiosity and Lifelong Learning – Curiosity is a natural human trait characterized by a strong desire to explore, learn, and understand new things. It is the most important skill and works as an umbrella skill among the other expected skills to be developed.

Lifelong learning is the concept of continuously seeking and acquiring knowledge and skills throughout one’s life. One of the focus areas and important aspects of changing times, everyone needs to be a learner for life, so as to adapt to changes.

Technology Literacy – Technological literacy refers to the ability to understand, use, and adapt to technology effectively. It encompasses a range of skills and knowledge, from basic computer and software proficiency to a deeper understanding of how technology impacts society, the economy, and various industries. Having technology literacy different between individuals in terms of their career.

Design and User Experience – Design refers to the process of creating a plan or convention for the construction of an object, system, or measurable human interaction. e g. graphic design, industrial design, user interface (UI) design, and user experience (UX) design. Design work has become one of the foundational skills as people are experiencing changes in new products and better experiences across sectors.  

User experience (UX) encompasses all aspects of the end-user’s interaction with a company, its services, and its products. It focuses on providing a positive, meaningful experience that meets the user’s needs and goals while aligning with the objectives of the business or organization. 

Motivation and Self-Awareness – Motivation and self-awareness are essential psychological qualities that can significantly impact personal and professional success. Motivation is the internal or external drive that pushes individuals to take action, set and achieve goals, and pursue desired outcomes. It energizes and sustains efforts to accomplish tasks or overcome challenges. An important aspect for every individual is to develop the drive to achieve its goal.

Self-awareness is the ability to recognize and understand one’s own thoughts, emotions, strengths, weaknesses, values, and motivations. It is a foundation for personal growth and effective self-management. An important part of EQ and required throughout life.

Empathy and Active Listening – Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It involves being able to put yourself in someone else’s shoes, understand their perspective, and respond with compassion and understanding. Another EQ skill and life skill for all. Empathy is an important skill in building relationships, resolving conflicts, and showing support for others.

Active listening is a communication technique that involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what is being said. It requires the listener to focus on the speaker, pay attention to both verbal and non-verbal cues, and provide feedback to ensure understanding. It is a key component of effective communication and is essential for building rapport, resolving conflicts, and demonstrating empathy towards others. It means to be present is “Now” while having discussion with anyone.

While the above-mentioned skills are future skills required to be developed for all, but most important to remember is any skill to be developed requires practice and discipline, which is the cornerstone for developing self and requires time.

It is important that everyone become aware of the skills and focusing on building it.
Visit: https://schoolofbusiness.ncuindia.edu/

Authored By

Vikram Behl
Professor of Practices,
NCU – School of Business