The Strategist

Ten skills that will be needed in 2020



08/25/2016 - 16:32



A few months ago, participants of the World Economic Forum in Davos named a list of skills that will be popular in 5 years. What the experts say? Let's look and see what's what.



1. Complex problem solving. The most popular will be those who practice a system, holistic approach to solving any problems; fight with not consequences but causes of problems.

2. Critical thinking. Critical thinking, in short, is a self-directed, self-disciplining, and self-correcting thinking. This includes compliance with strict standards, which entails effective communication, problem solving, and a commitment to overcome our natural self-centeredness and socio centrism.

3. Creativity in its broad sense. It is an ability to create and discover new and original ideas, deviating from convenient patterns, or, in short, successfully solving problems through non-standard approaches, viewpoints and unique ways. Creative thinking is a revolutionary and creative yet still constructive thinking. This habit of mind can be seen as a personal characteristic in the majority of CVs from different professions. Creative thinkers are hunted by big companies, and are admired by colleagues. Many believe that this quality is a must in the modern world.

4. People management. Knowing how to manage people gives a person many opportunities that can transform into a material benefit or moral satisfaction.

5. Coordinating with others. This goes without saying.

6. Emotional intelligence. This is an ability to correctly interpret emotions your and others’ emotions, as well as an ability to manage them. Emotional competence allows to genuine, confident and more decisive, not subject to negative influence of others. Developed emotionality quotient (EQ) connects conscious and subconscious, which gives us an opportunity to reach 100% results with the least effort and time.

7. Judgment and decision-making. We have to make different decisions at each stage of our activities, from setting goals and make plans to finding motivation to change. Decision-making is a constant demanding job for a manager. Selection and implementation of solutions ensures movement of an organization to its target. However, we are not machines, we have our own individual habits and preferences, emotions and desires, and all that affects adoption of our solutions is the psychology of decision-making. Yes, sometimes it can terrible to make a certain kind of decisions. They may interfere with emotions and have its own difficult features of his own character, yet we still have to muster up the nerve and make a step forward.

8. Service orientation. Currently, the most viable enterprises are those that focus on customers and their needs. Very often, the only visible difference between two companies is their quality of service. Service orientation creates a positive attitude and nurtures loyalty in clients.

9. Negotiation. Indeed, this feature has always been highly appreciated.

10. Cognitive flexibility. It is an ability to use different ways of thinking and mental models. Leaders with cognitive flexibility can combine various principles and models when making important decisions and in daily work. Cognitive flexibility refers to moving and divergent (non-linear) thinking, interest in new approaches, ability to see and use previously hidden causal relationships. This feature allows us to learn from our experience and recognize a situation when old approaches are not working.