What should you do to help you excel in your current job, or prepare you for your next one? Tower Group gives you the 10 skills to learn in 2019. The research is in from the World Economic Forum. They recently surveyed 350 executives across 9 industries in 15 of the world’s biggest economies. Further analysis came in from LinkedIn, which recently analysed hundreds of thousands of job postings, to determine which skills companies need most this year.
Having a firm grasp of what employers will be looking for is a smart move. Interestingly, more than 33% of the skill sets listed are not yet considered important by employers. While managing is important in a traditional business environment, it is not the only skill that South African workers will need to develop.
1. Creativity
Creativity came in first as the most in-demand soft skill in 2019, according to LinkedIn. The WEF ranked it at the top three skills employers will seek. We agree it is number one. With all the new technologies, employers want creative people who can apply that tech to new products and services.
2. Complex Problem-Solving
The report shows that 36% of all jobs across all industries will require complex problem-solving abilities as a core skill by 2020.
3. Critical Thinking
As automation increases, the need for humans who can employ logic and reasoning increases. Employers want people with critical minds who can evaluate the uses or abuses of the power of technology, to use them to benefit the company, the people in it and the future.
4. People Management
This includes being able to motivate people, develop the talents and skills of employees and pick the best people for a job. This will be especially in demand for managers in the media and energy industries; this and time management.
5. Collaboration
Collaboration falls under the social skills umbrella. It involves being able to work with others, adjust in relation to others and be sensitive to the needs of others.
6. Emotional Intelligence
Robots can do a lot, but they still cannot read people the way other humans can, at least not yet. Employers will place a strong emphasis on hiring those who are aware of others’ reactions, as well as their own impact on others.
7. Judgment & Decision-making
As organisations collect more and more data, there will be an even greater need for workers who can analyse it and use it to make intelligent decisions. Good judgment also involves persuasion.
8. Service-Orientation
Actively seeking ways to help others.
9. Negotiation Skills
This will be in especially high demand in computer and math jobs, such as data analysis and software development. It will also be critical in the arts and design.
10. Cognitive Flexibility
This involves creativity, logical reasoning and problem sensitivity. It also means being able to adapt how you communicate based on who you are talking to.
By paying attention to these skills, you can make sure to remain in demand among employers. Should you want to be prepared for 2020 and beyond, it is clear that you should develop your social skills. Contrary to the idea of robots taking over the world, it appears that it is the very things that make you human, your willingness to cover for a coworker whose mother is sick, your desire to help two radically different teammates work together, your heartfelt appreciation of a manager who had your back – that will make you the most valuable employee. Your value is our priority. Contact Tower Group today.
