What are the Skills of the Future and how to get them?
In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and shifting economic landscapes, the ability to adapt and reskill has never been more crucial.
The World Economic Forum’s “Future of Jobs Report 2023” provides a compass for this transformation, highlighting the skills that will be paramount for professionals in the coming years.
According to the report, analytical thinking leads the charge, deemed essential by 55% of organizations surveyed.
This skill is closely followed by creative thinking and resilience, reflecting a workforce that values innovation and adaptability in equal measure.

As we delve into the details of the report, a pattern emerges: the future is not just about technical prowess but also about the soft skills that enable individuals to navigate a complex world.
With AI and big data influencing 41% of companies’ reskilling agendas, it’s evident that the digital revolution is reshaping the job market.
Yet, it’s the human-centric skills like leadership, empathy, and active listening that round out the top priorities, underscoring the belief that the future workforce must be as emotionally intelligent as it is tech-savvy.

How to develop these skills of the Future?
To develop these skills, here are some general strategies you could consider:
Analytical and Creative Thinking: Engage in exercises and courses that challenge you to think critically and solve problems.
Creativity can be fostered through activities that encourage out-of-the-box thinking, such as brainstorming, mind-mapping, or learning about different forms of art and literature.
How to develop skills in AI and Big Data?
One of my favourites! I suggest you to take online courses or attend workshops that focus on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analysis. Many universities and online platforms offer courses in these areas.
Some of the ones I recommend/teach:
Free Course on Python Programming
Course on Copilot (Microsoft’s AI Assistant)
Course on Advanced ChatGPT
Leadership and Social Influence
Leadership skills can be enhanced by taking on leadership roles, whether in a professional setting, volunteer organizations, or group projects. Reading books on leadership, attending seminars, and seeking mentorship can also be helpful.
Resilience, Flexibility, and Agility
These can be developed through experiences that push you out of your comfort zone. Mindfulness and stress management techniques can improve your ability to adapt to change.
Curiosity and Lifelong Learning
Stay curious by continually seeking new knowledge and experiences. Lifelong learning can be achieved by maintaining a habit of reading, taking up new hobbies, and pursuing further education.
Teaching and Mentoring
Improve by teaching subjects you are knowledgeable about and mentoring others, which can also be done through volunteering. In my opinion one of the best ways to truly master something is to teach it!
You learn so much from the questions of students plus you really need to prepare a lot to deliver value!

How to get the rest of the skills?
Technological Literacy: Keep up with the latest technology trends and tools. You can take online courses, tutorials, and stay updated with tech news.
Design and User Experience: Practice designing by working on real projects or hypothetical scenarios, and seek feedback from others. Courses on design thinking and user experience are widely available online.
Motivation and Self-awareness: Reflect on personal goals and values, practice setting and achieving personal targets, and seek feedback from others to become more self-aware.
Empathy and Active Listening: Improve empathy by practicing active listening, engaging with diverse groups of people, and reading literature that offers different perspectives on life.
Talent Management: Learn about human resource management through online courses, and gain experience by participating in or leading team projects.
Environmental Stewardship: Get involved with local environmental groups, stay informed about environmental issues, and practice sustainable living.
Resource Management and Operations: Study supply chain management, project management, and resource allocation. Practical experience can be gained through internships or managing real-life projects.
Marketing and Media: Engage with marketing content, learn through online platforms that offer marketing and media courses, and practice by creating your own content or marketing strategies.
Quality Control and Cybersecurity: For quality control, learn about industry standards and best practices. For cybersecurity, take courses on information security and get certifications.
Dependability and Attention to Detail: Practice by taking on tasks that require precision and reliability. Mindfulness exercises can also help improve focus and attention to detail.
Systems Thinking: Understand how different systems interact with each other by studying systems theory and applying it to real-world scenarios.
Programming: Learn programming languages through online courses, coding bootcamps, or by contributing to open-source projects.
Multi-Lingualism: Learn new languages using language learning apps, taking classes, or immersing yourself in environments where the language is spoken.
Manual Dexterity, Endurance, and Precision: These can be developed through activities that require fine motor skills and physical endurance, such as playing musical instruments, sports, or crafts.
Global Citizenship: Engage with global issues, travel, or participate in exchange programs to broaden your perspective.
Reading, Writing, and Mathematics: Practice regularly, take courses in advanced writing and communication, and engage with mathematical problems beyond the basics.
Sensory-Processing Abilities: Engage in activities that require close attention to sensory details, such as tasting, cooking, or arts.
Navigating the Tides of Change: The Forces Shaping the Future of Business
As businesses around the world position themselves for the future, understanding the macro trends driving business transformation is critical.
The World Economic Forum’s “Future of Jobs Survey 2023” has identified several key trends that are becoming increasingly influential in reshaping organizational strategies and operations.

At the forefront is the increased adoption of new and frontier technologies, identified by an overwhelming 86.2% of organizations as a transformative factor.
In parallel, 86.1% acknowledge the expanding reach of digital access as a pivotal force.
These trends highlight the growing emphasis on digitalization and technological innovation as primary drivers of business evolution.
The survey also underscores the broader application of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, with 80.6% of organizations predicting this to be a significant influence.
This reflects a shift towards more sustainable and socially responsible business practices. Alongside this, 74.9% of organizations are bracing for the rising cost of living for consumers as a transformative trend, potentially reshaping consumer behavior and spending patterns.
With global economic growth expected to slow, as suggested by 73% of the surveyed entities, businesses are bracing for a more challenging economic environment. However, the green transition appears to be a silver lining, with 69.1% of businesses planning investments to facilitate this shift, indicating a commitment to sustainable development.
Supply chain challenges are also on the radar, with 68.8% citing supply shortages and rising costs as critical concerns, while 67.6% of businesses anticipate that consumers will become more vocal on social issues. The increased consumer voice on environmental issues is also a trend to watch, as noted by 67.5% of organizations.
These trends are not just fleeting concerns but are indicative of deeper shifts in the global business landscape. From climate-change-induced operational adaptations to localized supply chains and stricter data use regulations, businesses are navigating a complex web of changes.
Even as we grapple with the ongoing impact of the COVID pandemic and increased geopolitical divisions, the survey reveals that organizations are actively preparing for a world where adaptability, foresight, and resilience are the cornerstones of success.