The Five Most Coveted Skills for Organizations

Coupled with technological, social and environmental progress, economic upheavals are prompting organizations to review their hiring criteria. Which ones are the most important?

Employers, who are already facing workforce issues, are also affected by the changes taking place within our societies, forcing them to rethink the way they do things and to reorganize using their existing resources.

In this context, certain strengths are more important than others. To help organizations ensure their stability and prosperity in a highly competitive market, we have identified five skills to be fostered in the employee recruitment and training process.

1. Adaptability and complex problem-solving

In an ever-changing world, the ability to adapt is more important than ever. Business leaders, managers and front-line employees need to anticipate sudden changes, take immediate action and come up with viable solutions to overcome obstacles.

Responding so quickly to external changes not only keeps the business under control, but also enables it to move forward and prosper despite all the challenges.

2. Collaborative intelligence

This form of intelligence represents a set of abilities that shape the social interactions we experience daily. Directly linked to communication and empathy, it includes the ability to understand one’s own behaviour and that of others, and the ability to act in certain situations.

Effective communication between employees has always been an integral part of successful collaboration. With hybrid work, it is now vital for companies to ensure regular virtual collaboration.

3. Critical thinking

In today’s fast-moving environment, one of the most sought-after skills on the employment market is undoubtedly critical thinking. This ability enables us to analyze and classify important information objectively. Yet some employers mistakenly believe that staff should accept decisions and carry out tasks without ever questioning them. On the contrary, employees who demonstrate objectivity, or who question decisions when they deem it appropriate, are a major asset to the company’s development.

Faced with the phenomenal amount of information to which we are exposed, it is important to know how to exercise a critical mind. This skill lies at the heart of innovation and is directly linked to the ability to solve problems and achieve organizational objectives.

4. Emotional intelligence

Human resources are at the heart of any success story. Not so long ago, recruitment criteria were largely focused on know-how. While experience and academic performance are still important, the focus is now more on personal traits.

Interdependent with rational intelligence, emotional intelligence enables us to understand our own thoughts, emotions and behaviours, as well as those of others. It also facilitates the ability to take a step back in various situations to make a well-considered decision. Those who possess this quality deal more easily with conflict, stress and difficult situations, create bonds, communicate better and gain the respect of their peers more naturally.

5. Creative intelligence

To remain competitive, companies need to be innovative. To do so, they need people who can think ahead and come up with innovative ideas and solutions. Creative intelligence makes it possible to solve complex problems, adapt to customer needs and even adopt novel proposals and seize business opportunities.

Those who possess this skill are not content with what has been done before, but demonstrate a fertile and boundless imagination. This ability is characterized by a propensity to:

• adopt a broader vision;
• think outside the box;
• create links between ideas, people and projects;
• adapt;
• propose unconventional solutions;
• be proactive.

Companies that integrate individuals with these qualities into their teams stand out from their competitors, especially in highly competitive sectors or saturated markets.

Many changes are currently transforming the nature of work and the way of doing business. Organizations that focus on developing their resources or recruiting employees with the aforementioned qualities will certainly come out on top. For many types of jobs, soft skills now take precedence over know-how. Human qualities have become essential to seducing a future employer, excelling in management or even achieving career success.

To learn how to recognize these skills in individuals and develop them within your organization, enlist the help of an expert. For more information, contact our team!