Key Skills To Succeed In Post-Covid World
The ongoing coronavirus crisis has amplified the need for being resilient and adaptable to the new normal. The new normal would trigger the big reset. Why are we calling this the big reset? Because it is all about change; reset in our priorities, expectations, and world view.
Artificial intelligence (AI), advanced data analytics, fintech, cloud computing, 5G, new materials, renewable energy technology and 3D printing are just a few of the innovations changing the global infrastructure landscape.
Covid-19 has accelerated our transition towards the ‘future of work’ powered by digitisation of workplaces. In the long term, we expect companies to move towards flexible staffing/gig working — with roles requiring niche skills and in demand for a short duration, transitioning to gig jobs much faster.
The post-Covid generations will see themselves as a set of skills and their career as an experience, rather than a direct path to a title and salary.
Organisations will realise the importance of developing wellrounded personalities over a myopic focus on academic achievements only. Hiring criteria will be redefined and we will see a shift from siloed structure and single deep skills to collaboration and Pi shaped skills; skills supersede qualification.
In a rapidly evolving technological era, skills will become obsolete soon. However, some of the skills that I see as important in the post-Covid scenario are:
• Ability to learn will be the single most important skill for future of workforce. As Bill Gates has said, “curious learner” will thrive in future. Technology continues to reshape our notions of work and it will continue to do so for years to come. Digital technology advances have reached a point where people and companies can no longer resist change; it’s an adapt or die situation.
• The second most important skill would be ‘cognitive flexibility, the ability to switch between different cognitive skills and build versatility. You can see linguists and consultants displaying cognitive flexibility. Those with low levels of cognitive flexibility are unable to shift from one concept to another, and often become “stuck” in a single train of thought or aspect of focus.
• There is no doubt that this pandemic will change the way we live, work, and transact business. Because of this — now, more than ever — it is a time for mindfulness. It is a time to create an anti-fragile mindset.
• Other important skills are critical thinking, creative, emotional intelligence, problem solving.
At Tech Mahindra, apart from skill, we also look for two key things when hiring our fast trackers called GLCs or Global Leadership Cadre (premium B-school hiring programme) and management trainees: ability to learn and motivational fit. Over the years we have observed that attitude and motivation trumps educational qualification. If you have the ability to learn and the motivational fit to achieve the purpose of your life goals, we can always cross skill, upskill or future skill.
