The combination of skills that exist in a workplace between Gen Z to the Traditionalists could cause a disruption in the acceptable set of core skills that organizations look for. Whether these core skills come into question because you’re job hunting or because you fear becoming obsolete in your company you simply have to stay current.
Before getting into the skills that could potentially secure your future, let me just make a moment to say that there are a whole list of fundamental skill sets which will always be valued, no matter the year or the industry. The ability to lead and mentor people, for example, is one skill that will always be required.
1. Social Media Skills
Stop running away from LinkedIn. And don’t think that the social media fad is about to blow away. It’s become as integral as the ability to email or use a cell phone. In fact, Social Media Specialists is a breed of jobs that is expected to actually shrink in 2016 because everyone will be expected to have social media skills. And that means you.
2. Skillpreneur Attitude
How do you think your employer would react if you used your personal strengths for the true benefit of the company? I’m not talking about doing the tasks that are expected of you. Instead, consider if you had an entrepreneurial attitude within your organization. Forward thinking companies are sure to appreciate such a proactive attitude.
3. Flexibility
Be it the environment that you operate in or the people that you work with, you’re going to have to be flexible if you’re going to succeed in the future. No longer can you be rigid in your old way of doing things – if you’re stuck in the past you’re definitely not going to be part of the future.
4. Ability to Grow
If you search for them, you’ll find a list of skills for every single New Year. They’re obviously going to keep changing and if you’re not growing with the times, you’re going to be in trouble. Take control of your personal growth journey and know the trends that will mold the way you’re expected to work in the future.
5. Analytical Mindset
You’d think that not every job requires analytical skills. The truth is that to be able to step back from your daily tasks, whatever they may be, and use numbers to prove your contribution to the organization can literally save your job. You need to be comfortable with numbers and making sense of their meaning by analyzing them on spreadsheets.
6. People Skills
This category is possibly the most diverse and most important one. Whether you’re a 20 something reporting to a 60 something or the other way around, you really need to be able to get along with and communicate with your team. You must have the right attitude to work with anyone who comes along, whether you like them or not.
As you see, many of the skills mentioned above may be considered “generic” but if you can master these, you really will be able to mold yourself to whatever the times require. Though your personal USP is what probably makes you valuable in your organization, don’t be afraid to grow and adapt your personality to the needs of the business as it continues to grow.
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