Creativity
Companies and recruit managers are on the lookout for people who can display creativity in terms of ideas, execution and problem-solving. In today’s world, where information of all kinds is just a click away, being able to produce novel and fresh ideas is truly commendable. Particularly, the last few months have forced businesses to re-evaluate business practices and become creative to keep up with the times. A great example is how many restaurants and cafes are offering DIY kits instead of cooked dishes, to minimize risk of infection and increase sales.
Creativity can be displayed in the way one has approached and solved problems in their life. This can range from approaching personal problems and obstacles in one’s life to exhibiting creative problem solving in the academic or professional realm.
Emotional Intelligence
The rising awareness about mental health has called for this recent addition to in-demand soft skills. Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to understand your own, as well as the emotions of those around you. It ensures healthy inter-personal relationships, which is important for a conducive working environment for their employees.
Developing emotional intelligence is not as simple as reading a book and taking an exam. One needs to make a conscious effort to be emotionally intelligent. Some of the skills that help you become emotionally intelligent are practicing self-awareness, listening to others effectively, recognizing their emotions and responding effectively.
Adaptability
One day, you were picking up a Starbucks and heading to office. The next, you’re learning how to use Zoom and asking people if they can hear you.
Environments, technologies are constantly changing. Companies value the flexibility of their employees in terms of learning and acquiring new skills to keep up with the times. In light of the recent pandemic, there is widespread expectation that work from home options for employees will increase significantly, even after things return to normal. This will call for various online etiquette skills which will include the proper and efficient online display of creativity, collaboration and respect. The last few months have renewed the importance of this skill.
Collaboration and Communication
While individual competence is great and necessary, the ability to collaborate and work in a team is equally important. Most projects today are a combination of various technologies and skill sets and call on your ability to work in a team to get the job done. Consequently, good communication skills are key to effective collaboration. And while the two have been important skills, the way they are exercised will change greatly in the coming future. The typical meeting room, coffee shop meeting has been replaced by a new platform where it’s never hard to find a table; Zoom. Effective communication and collaboration through online mediums will gain importance since remote working will become the new normal.
These skills are not only evergreen, but are are also transferable and adaptable across a variety of industries.
The not-so-soft skills
With fast developing technology, the demand for new hard skills is changing and shifting constantly. The following skills mentioned here are those which are expected to have maximum relevance in the coming years.
