Throughout history, the face of work has gone through several iterations — from an agrarian economy relying heavily on manual labour, to the mainstream knowledge economy as we know it today, which relies on computerization, automation, and intellectual capital rather than production.
The future of work is now
While the pandemic has accentuated this trend, it has also demonstrated the flaws associated with a technology-driven economy. It highlighted the need for a human-based economy and a more "human-centric" workplace. Welcome to the future of work: a world where know-how takes a step back and where human skills are an asset for workers and organizations, acting as a counterbalance to overpowering technology.
In the future of work, human skills allow organizations to:
- Show their true colors and express their individuality
- Build a culture that employees want to be a part of
- Allow management to lead intentionally, with people in mind
- Engage employees and make them feel heard
- Model diversity and inclusion authentically
- Have hybrid or remote working environments that assist with high performing teams
Human skills are what make us adaptable, well-rounded individuals leading adaptable, well-rounded organizations ready to face this ever-evolving workplace and economy. In short, human skills are the catalyst of a successful organization. Even business schools are trying to incorporate them into their curriculum.
Ok. But what are human skills exactly?
Human skills, soft skills, interpersonal skills: these are all synonymous. Human skills refer to behavioral traits and a certain set of transferable skills that focus on people and their capacity to interact with one another, solve problems and manage situations.
Contrary to “hard” or technical skills, human skills are inherent to a person. They can be cultivated, learned over time, and learned through experience. Examples of these skills include communication, empathy, adaptation, resilience, leadership, and flexibility.
1. Communication
Having strong priorities on communication and creating a culture of communication is at the heart of cultivating a team that works in unison towards clearly defined goals and objectives. Good communication can help organizations achieve top results.
2. Empathy
Empathy is what makes us relatable. Being able to authentically put ourselves in other people’s shoes builds the trust and loyalty required for high-performing teams to emerge. When you show you have their back, your people will be much more willing to go above and beyond expectations.
3. Flexibility and adaptation
Being able to remain flexible and adaptable is one of the most precious qualities one can have in this ever-changing business landscape. Adaptability will set your people apart.
4. Resilience
Our resilience is best tested when faced with adversity. Developing your people’s resilience will improve their capacity to deal with situations, confront challenges, look for solutions, and start all over the next time an issue arises.
5. Leadership
Leadership is not reserved for management. Everyone has the capacity to demonstrate leadership. Employees who take ownership, share, listen to ideas, and collaborate effectively are able to empower those around them to deliver their best work.
There are a lot of synergies for machines and humans to work together. When we look at it that way, it becomes obvious why working on improving those complementary human skills is so important. Ultimately, human skills are what will lead to more compassionate and better performing workplaces.
Through workplace training, coaching and people and culture solutions, Intuity Performance applies a Whole Person Performance approach to cultivate an environment for high performance within organizations. Contact us to find out how we can help you take on the future of work. ■
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