By Thom Dennis, CEO of culture and leadership specialists, Serenity in Leadership
Skills in high demand are those that address emerging challenges and societal developments, including the advent of AI and other technological progressions, remote work adaptation and the need for a positive work culture. In light of the prevailing uncertainty globally, employees need to be particularly conscious of which skills hold the highest value. This is especially important because recruiters are increasingly emphasising the value of skills over and above that of experience.
SO, WHAT CONSTITUTES THE TOP TEN MOST DESIRABLE WORKPLACE SKILLS AT PRESENT?
- Cultural intelligence (CQ) – CQ encompasses effective communication, cooperative teamwork, and skilful relationship cultivation across diverse cultures which give organisations a competitive advantage in global business prospects and international collaborations. Cultural intelligence prompts individuals to welcome alternative viewpoints and unlocks a wider spectrum of opinions, solutions, perspectives and ideas through deeper and more meaningful communication. As a result, this fosters innovation and inclusivity, with diverse teams with high levels of CQ being attributed with superior judgments nearly 90% of the time.
- Emotional Intelligence (EQ) – EQ embodies qualities such as purposefulness, empathy, as well as compassion. These characteristics extend not only to others but also crucially to oneself. When employees possess these attributes, their communication tends to be effective, they empathise with and attentively listen to others, can mediate conflicts, foster connections, and collaborate harmoniously. These employees are also more likely to understand team dynamics, embrace diverse viewpoints, and encourage collaboration, collectively contributing to cultivating a positive and cooperative work atmosphere. In a landscape where nearly one million individuals grapple with work-related stress, depression, or anxiety, workplaces that offer support and colleagues who demonstrate compassion will yield immense advantages.
- Adept at Artificial Intelligence – Whether you like it or not, AI is the future and so expertise in the area will be snapped up. This is a super-fast developing scene, and it will be those who keep themselves up to date who will be the most sought-after and successful. Individuals with a solid understanding of the morality that needs to go hand in hand with AI will be of even greater value.
- Critical Thinking – This intrinsic yet cultivated skill empowers us to anticipate challenges in advance, assess situations, exercise logic, make sound decisions, present evidence effectively, avoid undue reliance on external viewpoints, challenge established norms, adapt with agility, and articulate our thoughts with clarity. The benefits are undoubtedly numerous.
- Self-Awareness and Clarity – This is of paramount importance because grasping your and the organisation's strengths and limitations, requirements, goals, and ambitions, means breaking through barriers and constraints to surmount challenges. Understanding the self also paves the way for enhanced interpersonal connections, refined decision-making, and effective communication.
- Problem-solver – Proficiency in resolving challenges through critical, logical, and inventive means can elevate workplace productivity, innovation, safety, and efficacy and effectively help to mediate conflicts and surmount obstacles. With 20% of employers reporting that conflicts at work are a common occurrence, having this skill is beneficial to any team.
- Good at Collaborating – The rise of remote and hybrid work models means adept collaboration and robust communication have never been more important in fostering a thriving work culture. Embracing diverse viewpoints and concepts and generating inventive and creative resolutions substantially enhance organisational prospects.
- An Active Listener– When we give someone our total focus of attention and take time to hear what others are really saying, trust, understanding and good communication are enhanced. Giving others the opportunity, time and attention is likely to lead to fewer misunderstandings and conflict.
- Being Authentic – People who demonstrate authenticity usually have the ability to nurture dependability, openness, trust and credibility within the workplace and do not have concealed motives. This is advantageous for communication and in enabling others to articulate their thoughts clearly and efficiently so collaboration and understanding of other's viewpoints flourish and meaningful relationships are built. This cultivates a robust workplace culture and heightens employee contentment and involvement, and colleagues feel psychologically safe at work.
- Integrity– Having integrity and being credible and reliable helps develop strong relationships in the workplace. These individuals equally show and earn respect, tend to be professional, deliver on their commitments and value business and personal purpose, and ethical conduct.