Workforce Management Featured Article
The Four Skills That are Absolutely Essential to Workplace Success
Today, many employees and job seekers are struggling to attain the skills they need to keep continuously relevant and productive in an ever-changing workplace. Over many years of listening to businesses and industry groups, it seems that they have been crying in the wilderness saying, more or less, the same things are missing. The most critical skills in the workplace cited as lacking generally revolve around 4 broad categories: leadership, personal productivity, problem solving, computer proficiency and people skills. Employers are being challenged to improve these skills among their current employees and are actively recruiting for these skill areas in new hires. Based on years of expertise in training and workforce development and discussions with my peers, we have identified the below clusters of “Workplace Essential Skills” to help individuals and organizations respond to skills shortages at the speed of business.
Recent research suggests that when employers find it difficult to find the technical competencies these seek, over 60% of them will hire for “Soft skills” and train in the technical areas needed to do the job. Less than 1 in 4 will wait until they find the right technical background. Understanding where you or your employees stand with these skills will help identify the best learning paths based on individual and business needs, as well as personal goals.
Personal Productivity Skills
This cluster is all about the completion of tasks and processes in an effective manner. It is about the planning and the management of resources in order to achieve a goal. It consists of time management, prioritization, organizing events, work efforts and activities. In addition, strong productivity skills generally mean strong administrative skills, attention to detail and a focus on policy, procedure and quality of work.
People Skills
This well-known cluster of skills is tied to control of emotional responses and how well one works alongside and collaborates with others. These emotional and interpersonal skills encompass an individual’s capacity for teamwork, conflict resolution, communication, building strong relationships and networks, as well as a focus on customer needs and satisfaction.
Leadership Skills
This cluster is focused on leading teams, initiatives and becoming a new manager. Many people who are good at doing their job become overwhelmed when they are asked to lead a group to achieve a task. The qualities that relate to leadership, whether formal or informal are key to many new jobs and to getting ahead in the workplace. Fundamentally, leadership is about the mobilisation of others in the achievement of work objectives. This consists of directing others with clear instructions, expectations and motivation, as well as developing and instructing others to increase capabilities and success.
Computer Skills
Today, computers and IT are truly an integral part of most roles. Key IT skills include an understanding of the most commonly used business software and technology, including Microsoft (News - Alert) Office, the Internet and Social Media.
Employees, as well as employers, need to identify areas that are lacking, and create a training path that will lead to life long learning development. Basic computer literacy is a requirement of many jobs and is a big factor in limiting opportunities for many workers, in particular older workers who were displaced in the last recession.
Today it is true more than ever that employers will hire for the soul and train for the role. Accordingly, these workplace essential skills are more critical than ever.
Edited by Maurice Nagle