If I was making a short list of skills that are “must haves” in today’s tech-centric, interconnected, fast changing and unpredictable world, this would be it:
- Insatiably Curious
An avid learner. Always exploring. Not stuck in one domain or area of expertise. Asks good questions. Wants to know why. Observes. Reads. Watches. Listens. Travels. - A Quick Study
Can pick up new skills, ideas and ways of doing things quickly. Knows how they learn best and uses that to their advantage. - Technologically Fearless
Unfazed by technology. Uses it in multiple ways. Finds ways to maximize and optimize the technology at their fingertips. Uses multiple devices seamlessly. - Connected Deeply
Has a wide and broad network. Brings this network to you via Twitter followers, LinkedIn connections and Facebook friends. Adroit at using the network. - Creatively Synthesizes
Sees connections. Can connect the dots. Can take an avalanche of information, extract the essence and make something meaningful of it. - Highly Adaptive
Unhappy with the status quo and willing to change quickly. Sheds old ways easily. Continually seeks better ways.
What skills would you add?
3 Responses
I would add that if you can’t be all this… (especially a quick study or unfazed by technology) then have someone on your team that is and can. Sometimes it is just better to have another person deal with the new technology and then support you in your efforts.
Hi Kris – very true that these are at the top of the list for near skills. I would add as tried and true, not nee but you’d better not let these fall by the wayside skills:
1) Go out of your way to help others, not just those that can further your career. Otherwise known as “niceness counts.
2) Listen more than you speak. A lot more. Know what questions to ask to get at the root causes of an issue.
3) Be politically savvy. If you suspect something is wrong in your organization, you may be right. Or perhaps not. Observe and ask questions if people you can trust. Don’t assume that just because you perceive a problem that others will see it your way.
4) The Serenity Prayer is most helpful when posted above your desk in bold letters, and referred to often : )
Perhaps today more than ever, the almost overwhelming input makes taking time to pause and reflect a critical skill. Without stepping back, you can get pulled in directions that, as time passes, you realize weren’t where you really wanted to be going.
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