PERFORMANCE AND SKILLS FOR 2020

Workplace norms are changing rapidly, flexibility, smart goals and personal development are what employees are looking for today.

oday’s dynamic, rapidlychanging workplace sees technological development not only dictating work practices within various industries, but also redefining their environment, and the skills employees will need. The average employee, in this and the next decade will have to be able to re-think and update their skills several times during their working life.

These are some of the areas where new thought patterns and approaches to work projects will be essential.

Creativity

and creative thinking will be important. Discover ways to improve yours. Believe it or not, 30 minutes a day, preferably outdoors, focusing on your surroundings, and totally unplugged works wonders.

A productive interest, requiring skills completely removed from work but equally satisfying, will give you more strings to your bow. Two hours of mind games, from detective stories to Sudoku, a week will expand your analytical skills and memory, and will speed up your thinking skills. And you will probably want some way to improve your reflexes and rapid reaction rates; a sport or online games for example. Bear in mind physical fitness has a big influence on creativity too.

Problem solving

is often helped by life experiences and, so far is a skill that separates us from robots. You can improve your techniques by concentrating more on a solution than on the problem itself. List as many practical solutions as possible. Consider how to discuss the problem with others, without naming or blaming. Learn to think laterally.

Flexibility,

or being able to deal with unpredicted changes is a definite asset. Enhance yours by varying everyday routines, approaching tasks, travel, even eating habits differently now and again, to avoid living in too comfortable a rut. Imagine certain situations turning out in different ways and how you would deal with that. And occasionally consider alternative ways of doing things. This is not only good preparation for the unexpected but also another way of stimulating creativity.

Emotional intelligence,

or the ability to process your own and others’ emotions is crucial in all work fields. It is vital for successful communication and effective collaboration among colleagues and contacts. No amount of company bonding exercises can give you it to you; it comes from your actual personality. But it can be improved by regularly taking some time to reflect on your own feelings and how you behave towards them and those of others. Watch people’s body language and expressions. And think how certain unpleasant events or comments would make you feel, before putting others in similar positions.

Inter department skills,

that is having an understanding of an organisation from different perspectives, are a real advantage in a company or work place. Interact with colleagues in different departments so you are familiar with their responsibilities and take every opportunity to support them. People thrive in an atmosphere where others are willing and able to stand in for each other when necessary.

People management

is one of the most obvious skills you need. Do not expect to get anywhere if you fail to show that you are motivated, a team player, communicative, trustworthy, loyal, to the right people, and generous – with your time as well as coffee and cakes,

Virtual literacy,

or the means to keep your ear to the ground and up to date with all things technical and the everdeveloping jargon and tools that keep us connected, sharing, communicating and creating 24/7; only in a good way.

Keep up with refresher courses, familiarise yourself with any new gadgets or appliances the minute they appear.

Cross cultural awareness,

or being able to communicate and collaborate with individuals from different countries and cultures, are imperative today. Not everyone is born with an inherent sense of respect and acceptance but it is something that can be worked on. Those who can always focus on people and the job in hand and act on their own impressions, rather than pre-learned ones, will certainly have the advantage here.

Negotiation skills

are essential no matter what career path you are on. Agreements, achievements, and all sorts of negotiations are successful as a result of these skills. They are learned and perfected from childhood. But can also be learned and practised through coaching and role playing exercises.

Decision making skills

come through developing leadership, analytical interpersonal, and intuitive skills. Welcome any training or experiences that can help you make the right decisions at the right time. When all is said and done decisions are often the making or breaking of a successful outcome.

These skills are basically interrelated and are just as valuable in their own right as academic qualifications and training. How we can use these skills influences our choice of work and degrees of success. And, ultimately, make the jobs we choose worthwhile and special.