14 Valuable Skills and Traits for the Workplace of the Future
14 Valuable Skills and Traits for the Workplace of the Future
As the workplace continues to evolve, certain skills will become increasingly valuable to companies across industries, and having one or more of these skills will create a smoother path to professional success. Both hard and soft skills will play a pivotal role in an environment shaped by ongoing technological advancements and shifting team dynamics.
Workers across disciplines and sectors can stay ahead of the curve — and get a head start on climbing the professional ladder — by developing these attributes and competencies now. Below, members of Business Journals Leadership Trust discuss key skills that will become increasingly valuable in the workplace of tomorrow — and how to cultivate them today.
1. AI literacy
Understanding and leveraging artificial intelligence will be crucial in the future workplace. AI can streamline operations, enhance decision making and drive innovation. Professionals should embrace continuous learning. Explore AI tools relevant to your field, and stay informed about the ethical implications. Being AI-literate will empower individuals and organizations to stay competitive and forward-thinking. – Crystal Lazar, Habitat for Humanity East & Central Pasco County
2. Curiosity
Curiosity is the new superpower. Keeping up with the pace of business today is challenging, so remaining open to the “whys” and “whats” has become essential. Living in the world of “shoulds and should nots” will quickly limit our effectiveness. It’s key to remain open, curious and inquisitive so that we can adapt, innovate and remain relevant. – Helene Lollis, Pathbuilders
3. Making connections
Leaders must be able to connect people to one another, people to ideas, people to opportunities, people to customers — you name it. A valuable leader is one who helps people get what they need or want, and often, that need is met by another person. Therefore, building community and leveraging that community to connect others will be a key leadership skill going forward. – Sam Davidson, Nashville Entrepreneur Center
4. A good work ethic
A good work ethic is necessary — coming in to the office and working until the work is completed or in a positive end spot. There simply is no substitute for someone who is willing to show up, willing to work hard and willing to be productive. I think much of the “distractions” from work will begin, mercifully, to start to go away as well. Come in. Work. Go home. Repeat. – Rodger Roeser, The Eisen Agency & Rodger Roeser + Associates
5. Supporting others in grief and life transitions
A leader needs to understand how to be there for staff, employees and clients in times of loss, life transition and grief. When people receive adequate support at those times, it builds loyalty and trust in the company. Gain skills and get accurate information by doing research and hiring an expert in communicating with grieving people. Do not rely on what everyone else does; that will perpetuate mistakes. – Amy Florian, Corgenius
6. Continuous learning
As the business environment continues to evolve rapidly, professionals need to be able to adapt, learn new skills and pivot when necessary. They can only do this if they cultivate new challenges, are open to feedback and are continuously listening and learning. Being proactive in seeking out opportunities for growth can help professionals become more agile in the workplace. – Richard Culberson, Moneypenny
Business Journals Leadership Trust is a vetted network of influential business leaders, executives and entrepreneurs in your community.
7. Leveraging technology and automation
Adapting to technology and automated processes will be a vital hard skill. Embracing advancements enhances business effectiveness. Cultivate this skill by engaging with the younger generation. By learning from them and exploring innovative practices, such as using AI for improved operations and employee engagement, professionals can stay ahead and drive meaningful change in their organizations. – Amy Loth Allen, Emery Sapp & Sons
8. Openness to innovation
As technology evolves, being able (and excited!) to pivot, embrace change and learn new tools is key to staying relevant. Professionals can cultivate adaptability by seeking out continuous learning opportunities and fostering a mindset of openness to experimentation and innovation. – Bill Rokos, Parsec Automation
9. Understanding the motivations of others
Understanding what motivates your people will be key. It’s not the same as it used to be. “A hard day’s work” was the mantra for most Baby Boomers, and that’s a great motivator for some, but not for others. Money is a great driver for some, while mission and purpose drive others. Everybody is different. As a leader, if you can connect someone’s work to what motivates them, you will come out way ahead in terms of productivity and retention. – Gary Braun, Pivotal Advisors, LLC
10. Empathy
Empathy is the most important soft skill leaders need to engage and retain employees. It is both a talent and a skill, and it is not intuitive to many — it must be practiced and exercised regularly like a muscle. Once I became an employee after 21 years of running my own business, I suddenly became incredibly empathetic when my perspective changed. I encourage leaders to find ways to be an employee. – Kent Lewis, pdxMindShare
11. The right balance of grit and humanity
Technical skill, grit, discipline and a “never say die” attitude toward accomplishing the mission are important in a leader. But in addition to accomplishing your mission, you need to take care of your employees, as they are not machines. To that end, having a heart and empathy is important. A cold, calculating organization can only go so far before people start burning out and quitting. – Zain Jaffer, Zain Ventures
12. Emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence, or EQ, will be increasingly valuable for leaders in the future workplace, as it enables the ability to balance the needs of clients, employees and shareholders simultaneously. Professionals can cultivate this skill through self-awareness, empathy and active listening. – Jessica Hawthorne-Castro, Hawthorne Advertising
13. Effective in-person and virtual communication
As workplaces continue to evolve, the ability to communicate effectively across multiple mediums — whether in person, virtually or asynchronously — is becoming increasingly valuable. Seamlessly switching between these modes of communication is key to productivity and team cohesion. Practicing active listening and leveraging technology can help professionals adapt and improve as needs change. – Junior Harewood, UnitedHealthcare
14. Adaptability
Adaptability is a skill I see as increasingly critical for the future workplace. As technology and business landscapes shift rapidly, the ability to adjust, learn and respond effectively becomes invaluable. Professionals can cultivate this by embracing new challenges, seeking diverse perspectives and viewing change as an opportunity for growth rather than disruption. – Ali Sinan, Occams Group
