This article is prepared by our HR Business Partner Tatsiana Dziamchuk.
Before we delve into specific skills, let's start with some introductory remarks. First, let's explore the concept of skills and the overall context of the times we live in.
Skills
Traditionally we are accustomed to categorizing skills as either hard or soft.
However recent research in sociology science increasingly divides skills into three groups:
Let's define them briefly:
This can be illustrated schematically in the following manner:
However recent research in sociology science increasingly divides skills into three groups:
- Hard Skills
- Soft Skills
- Meta Skills
Let's define them briefly:
- Hard Skills: Measurable and quantifiable abilities (programming, copywriting...)
- Soft Skills: Interaction skills with other people (public speaking, communication)
- Meta Skills: The ability to learn quickly and apply various skills efficiently (critical thinking, adaptability)
This can be illustrated schematically in the following manner:
Context
The suddenness and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, unexpected and harsh wars, global economic recession on one side, and the intensive development of artificial intelligence on the other have sharply influenced the value of specific skills.
In some professions there are rapid layoffs while other sectors suffer from a shortage of specialists and specific skills.
For more details on workforce forecasting you can refer to this link.
The main takeaway is that we must be able to learn quickly and be flexible in rapidly changing conditions.
Therefore in addition to the hard skills relevant to you today, I suggest focusing on the development of your meta skills.
I have identified three key skills related to meta and soft skills that I recommend paying attention to as soon as possible.
1. Self-awareness
The ability to recognize and monitor your own emotions and reactions in different circumstances.
How to develop self-awareness:
Slow Down and Focus on Your Emotions:
Articulate Your Emotions in Dialogue:
Identify Your Weaknesses, Strengths, and Values:
Observe Your Processes:
2. Goal Setting and Priority Identification
It’s important to develop the ability to find and maintain purpose at work and in your role and in life, especially if you have leadership ambitions.
Though the principal focus might change over time, maintaining a strong sense of personal purpose helps you make hard decisions, positively influence the impact of your colleagues’ contributions, and drive change and innovation.
How to develop
I suggest asking the question "What for" or "What problem am I trying to solve" more frequently.
Typically, this question opens up a broad field for exploration into the true needs and motives, whether they are personal or team-oriented. Regularly posing this question encourages a deeper understanding of the underlying reasons behind your actions and decisions.
The third skill is from the category of soft skills, which, in my view, artificial intelligence can never replace, is effective human communication.
3. Effective communication involves:
What we say:
The content of our message, including clarity, relevance, and appropriateness.
Whom we say it to:
Tailoring our communication style to the audience, considering their background, needs, and preferences.
How we say it:
Paying attention to our tone, body language, and overall presentation, as these elements greatly impact how our message is received.
In some professions there are rapid layoffs while other sectors suffer from a shortage of specialists and specific skills.
For more details on workforce forecasting you can refer to this link.
The main takeaway is that we must be able to learn quickly and be flexible in rapidly changing conditions.
Therefore in addition to the hard skills relevant to you today, I suggest focusing on the development of your meta skills.
I have identified three key skills related to meta and soft skills that I recommend paying attention to as soon as possible.
1. Self-awareness
The ability to recognize and monitor your own emotions and reactions in different circumstances.
How to develop self-awareness:
Slow Down and Focus on Your Emotions:
- Take moments to slow down, be present, and pay attention to your emotions and feelings.
- Avoid rushing through experiences and give yourself the time to genuinely understand what you are feeling.
Articulate Your Emotions in Dialogue:
- Practice expressing your emotions verbally when engaged in conversations.
- Clearly articulate how you feel, allowing both yourself and others to better understand your emotional state.
Identify Your Weaknesses, Strengths, and Values:
- Conduct self-reflection to recognize your weaknesses and strengths objectively.
- Identify your core values and beliefs that guide your actions and decisions.
Observe Your Processes:
- Pay attention to your thought processes and emotional responses in various situations.
- Identify the triggers that lead to specific emotional reactions.
- Notice when you begin to feel anger or frustration, and explore how you manage or interrupt these emotions.
2. Goal Setting and Priority Identification
It’s important to develop the ability to find and maintain purpose at work and in your role and in life, especially if you have leadership ambitions.
Though the principal focus might change over time, maintaining a strong sense of personal purpose helps you make hard decisions, positively influence the impact of your colleagues’ contributions, and drive change and innovation.
How to develop
I suggest asking the question "What for" or "What problem am I trying to solve" more frequently.
Typically, this question opens up a broad field for exploration into the true needs and motives, whether they are personal or team-oriented. Regularly posing this question encourages a deeper understanding of the underlying reasons behind your actions and decisions.
The third skill is from the category of soft skills, which, in my view, artificial intelligence can never replace, is effective human communication.
3. Effective communication involves:
What we say:
The content of our message, including clarity, relevance, and appropriateness.
Whom we say it to:
Tailoring our communication style to the audience, considering their background, needs, and preferences.
How we say it:
Paying attention to our tone, body language, and overall presentation, as these elements greatly impact how our message is received.
The golden rule of the 7Cs of effective communication emphasizes:
It's important to remember that communication is a two-way process. Actively listening where our full attention is devoted to the speaker is crucial. Approaching conversations with empathy even when disagreeing is fundamental to effective human communication.
In conclusion
In the dynamic and unpredictable year of 2024 I suggest focusing on your own processes. Pay attention to how you interact with yourself, how you effectively process information, your approach to goal achievement and how you feel in communication with others and how to enhance all these aspects.
In the dynamic and unpredictable year of 2024 I suggest focusing on your own processes. Pay attention to how you interact with yourself, how you effectively process information, your approach to goal achievement and how you feel in communication with others and how to enhance all these aspects.
