It is not enough for today’s employers that a programmer knows how to create applications and a translator has a good grasp of texts. Potential employees must have not only professional but also «soft» skills.
Soft skills are supra-professional competences, which help to work more effectively in any sphere. For example, they include the ability to communicate with people and quick learnability. The value of these skills has increased in today’s world, where humanity’s opportunities are increasingly global. You need to adapt to technological changes and communicate with people of different nationalities.
According to Kontakt InterSearch Russia consulting company’s research for Forbes Woman employers already expect soft skills from potential employees. Creators of the «Atlas of professions» project predict even more significant changes on the labor market.
What is worth getting better at today to be a sought-after specialist in 10 years?
1. Working with people
This skill has 3 components::
Multiculturalism and multilingualism. More and more companies are operating in the international market, so employees need to know foreign languages. Knowledge in the specifics of intercultural communication will be a plus.
Customer centricity. It is possible to win the battle with the competitors only if the product is created exactly for the client’s needs. That is why employers appreciate the ability to see the demand and to adjust to it.
Emotional intelligence. Empathy, the ability to feel another person is valued in today’s world. People with these qualities find it easier to find common ground with others, which helps not only in everyday life but also in work.
2. Flexibility
Quick learning curve. In today’s world, new technologies often appear and you need to adapt to them in a minimum of time. The needs of the labor market are also changing, so you need to learn new professions quickly.
Working under uncertainty. The year 2020 showed that you can’t always be sure of tomorrow. It is necessary to be able to work here and now, to try to foresee the further development of events and not to be afraid of the unknown.
3. Project Management
The strict hierarchical structure of companies is replaced by project groups. Representatives of different professions have to show leadership and take responsibility for leading part of the work.
4. Green thinking
Manufacturers of goods are thinking about the impact of their business on the environment. Therefore, modern professionals in any field must understand at a basic level how to reduce harmful emissions and the use of natural resources. In Russia this culture is in its infancy, but in Japan the environmental friendliness of production is already controlled at the legislative level.
To develop soft skills, you can join a discussion club, read books on the topic, watch professionals on TED, or take a course.
«Soft» skills are useful not only in work. In life, we communicate with people, learn, and set goals, each of which can be viewed as a project. Above-the-professional skills will help in these areas of life as well.
