the future workplace: what employers see as the most important skills

When we asked employers and job seekers to identify the most critical skill of the future in the workplace, novel and adaptive thinking came first. We look at the skills, characteristics and personality traits required to be a visionary, an innovative thinker and a vital asset to your organisation.

How did the late Steve Jobs imagine, define and then create products and trends that would change the world? How are visionaries able to connect dots that others don't see?

Much research has gone on around this topic, including Randstad's Agility Quotient project, which looked into future skills.

In a study by the Institute for the future, Future Skills 2020, specific skills required for future thinking were identified.

They are:

Sense making
Social intelligence
Novel and adaptive thinking
New media literacy
Transdisciplinary understanding
Design mindset
Cross-cultural competencies
Computational thinking
Cognitive load management
Virtual collaboration

what exactly is 'sense-making' at the top of the skills list?

Think of it as knowing what to focus on and what to ignore. As managers' attention is increasingly distracted by quarterly reporting, big data and an endless procession of issues and information in an increasingly competitive environment, some still manage to see the big picture. This is sense-making.

These skills require a worker to be adaptable, flexible, social and connected to the world around them. They highlight the importance of seeing the big picture, connecting the dots and anticipating change with creativity.

The Agility Quotient study results clearly show that innovation resonates strongly with employers and employees. When we asked employers and job seekers to identify the most crucial skill of the future in the workplace, novel and adaptive thinking came first (61%).

how to develop a visionary mindset

Here are some decisive steps to move you in the right direction:

1. define the big picture

Seek a complete understanding of the organisation's primary goals and how you can contribute.

2. seek coaching

Develop a clear idea of how often you should be coached and what specific skills you require to become a more creative thinker and problem solver.

3. learn about the way other professions work

If you're in marketing, gather knowledge about how the finance department works, the skills of an HR person, design and manufacturing etc. This will boost your multi-disciplinary thinking.

4. strengthen your critical thinking

Consider issues not from the point of view of somebody in your specific line of work but the point of view of the CEO. Bring several creative solutions when you go to your manager with a problem.