In our previous blog, we looked at the need for enhancing communication skills, adaptability and analytical thinking in employees to meet the demands of the “New Normal”.

Now let’s take a look at three more power skills your workforce needs to remain relevant to your business and able to meet the demands of an uncertain future.

Skill 4: Prioritization

Prioritization is an essential skill in becoming more productive and agile. As change management goes, being able to prioritize tasks that are not only urgent, but also important, is key. 

In a shifting landscape, your business may need to pivot at short notice and having a workforce that can shift gear and prioritize effectively may mean the difference between success and failure. 

When choosing a learning program to help employees become better at prioritizing, ask yourself, does it highlight the difference between urgent and important tasks? Does it help employees to prioritize tasks according to effort and time required to complete them? Does it present them with realistic scenarios and provide the means to practice and reflect on their experiences?

Skill 5: Initiative taking

Being proactive is an important skill for employees to develop, especially in times of uncertainty and change. Having employees who take charge of situations before they become problems is far better than having a team that waits to be told what to do. 

From picking up mistakes and helping colleagues to identifying opportunities and areas for improvement, initiative taking is vital in propelling your business forward.

Do your learning programs support and develop initiative taking in your staff? Do they challenge workers to think deeply about their work flows, processes and procedures? Do they nudge learners to seek out opportunities to help coworkers, anticipate problems or think of how to replicate success?

Skill 6: Relationship Building

The need for building relationships in business is nothing new. But how do you build relationships in times of change and in a disrupted business environment like we are facing today? 

Relationship building is a power skill that is increasingly important in the age of Zoom calls and social distancing. For many workers, this skill is difficult even in normal times, but now, without in person contact, the challenge is greater than ever.

When selecting a learning program to help employees to build their social skills, ask yourself if it promotes empathy. Does it nudge them into regular check ins with coworkers and clients, being punctual for calls, and completing deliverables on time? Does the learning program offer realistic and targeted advice, such as instigating and attending social virtual events, giving proactive feedback and words of support?

Whatever the type of business, developing prioritization, initiative taking and relationship building power skills will greatly benefit your organization and it’s workforce.