Ask companies what they’re thinking about most these days, and the answer often will be workforce.
That’s not surprising. We’ve all seen the changes that have taken place or accelerated since COVID-19 sent us home from the office five years ago. What has been unexpected is how deeply workforce culture and expectations have changed and the expectations and ramifications those trends have for careers and employers in achieving and maintaining competitiveness.
A recent McKinsey report from the 2023 World Government Summit, The Skills Revolution and the Future of Earning and Learning, reminds us that while tech skills are crucial, the real game-changers are social and emotional skills. In fact, the top three skills in demand right now are:
- Technological skills.
- Social and emotional skills.
- Higher-level cognitive skills.
Surprised by that second spot? It turns out that our digital, remote work environments and fewer face-to-face interactions have made these essential skills even rarer.
This isn’t just a COVID phenomenon; the decline in emotional intelligence has been happening for a while. Research published in Psychology Today in 2021 showed declining levels of emotional intelligence in Western Hemisphere college-student samples in studies between 2001 and 2019. Interestingly, the decline in emotional intelligence was greater as the proportion of women in a sample decreased.
In today’s complex and rapidly evolving business environment, the ability to inspire and motivate your team, navigate challenges with composure, and drive toward common goals is essential. Leaders who cultivate these skills create environments where employees feel valued and engaged, leading to higher productivity, innovation, and sustainable business success. The difference between good and exceptional leadership lies in these capabilities—those who master them become the catalysts for high-performing teams, loyal employees, and enduring growth.
At Inforum, we’re right in the thick of it, working with companies to develop exactly these competencies. Our programs are designed to help employees build those crucial social and emotional skills—whether it's through leadership workshops, coaching, or custom training sessions. We help transform these challenges into opportunities, ensuring your workforce is not only technically adept but also truly equipped to lead in today's dynamic environment.
We can help you unlock the potential of your future leaders. I’m happy to have a conversation.
Kristen Mercer is Vice President of Talent Development for Inforum. She can be reached at [email protected].
Courtesy of Inforum.
