Power skills, also known as soft skills, are significant for workplace success. However, in the post-pandemic era, the value and significance of these skills have grown due to shifts in work culture, patterns, and habits.
According to Deloitte Access Economics, two-thirds of jobs are projected to require soft skills by 2030. The demand for job roles is evolving rapidly, necessitating organizations to adapt and grow swiftly.
These skills are referred to as power skills due to their crucial role in the workplace. They encompass a range of abilities, including adapting to a hybrid workplace, proactive communication and emotional intelligence, and building resilient teams capable of seamlessly navigating fluctuations.
The Shift
The transition from labelling these skills as ‘soft’ to ‘power’ skills reflects the need for a human-centric leadership and management approach. Categorizing skills such as people and communication as ‘soft’ undermines the process of learning and skill development. The shift to power skills underscores the critical role of leading, managing, and developing teams to thrive through challenging times.
Power skills are relevant at every level and stage of an organization, from founders and managers to new employees.
For effective management, 75% of skills need to be focused on visionary leadership, strategic thinking, problem-solving, empathy, teamwork, and more. Additionally, for managers leading hybrid teams, proactive communication, flexibility, and adaptability are foundational.
LinkedIn recently published its Workplace Learning Report for 2023, which emphasizes workplace culture and people. Among the top 10 skills highlighted in the report, power skills such as Management, Communication, Leadership, and Teamwork take precedence.
Management skills: These encompass attributes and abilities that professionals must possess to fulfil their tasks. This involves managing daily activities while promptly resolving crises and problems. Management skills can be developed through learning and experiences, playing a vital role in facilitating the flow of information, day-to-day functioning, and team growth.
Communication: It is a power skill vital in every context, whether at work or home. It comprises a combination of verbal and non-verbal cues, active listening, body language, and more.
Leadership: Leadership, while a broad term, is a crucial skill in practice. Upskilling in leadership is essential for driving productivity, boosting team morale, and translating strategic visions into action. Leadership attributes include decision-making, critical thinking, motivation, and team leadership.
Teamwork: It is an essential workplace skill that promotes coexistence, growth, brainstorming, and innovation within teams and organizations. Optimising teamwork skills requires training and coaching. These skills encompass both personal and affiliative aspects. Personal skills involve a professional’s role within the team and how they interact with peers, while affiliative skills promote cooperation externally.
How to get started?
A people-focused strategy is central to effective workplace management. To enhance this, Zenfide offers customized learning solutions and experiences in various formats. Upskilling and reskilling remain a priority, and we offer the following:
#1 Targeted Learning: We recognize the unique nature of each organization and team, tailoring learning programs to specific goals and challenges.
#2 Relevant Content: Our team of experienced instructional designers and trainers collaborates closely with you to create upskilling programs aligned with your industry, business model, and job roles.
#3 Flexible delivery formats: We offer versatile delivery formats, from in-person sessions to pre-recorded learning programs. Our customised methods ensure engagement and knowledge retention.
#4 Right stimulus to learn better: Our custom programs go beyond traditional one-way learning. We emphasise engagement through relevant examples, activities, and peer learning, enhancing knowledge retention and fostering collaboration.
#5 Growth Tracking: Our customized learning programs include post-training support and evaluation mechanisms. We provide follow-up assessments, coaching sessions, and additional resources to reinforce learning outcomes in the workplace.