3 Strategies for Building 2024’s In-Demand Skills

Jennifer Moss discusses three strategies for building in-demand skills for the year 2024. ​ She emphasizes the importance of cognitive skills and social/emotional intelligence for future readiness, as identified by the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Survey. ​ The first strategy is to address the barriers preventing people from accessing these skills. ​ Jennifer highlights the increase in mental health-related leaves of absence and the impact of stress on creativity and critical thinking. To build analytical and creative thinking skills, leaders need to create healthier and happier cultures. ​

The second strategy is to prioritize purpose. When leaders express a compelling organizational purpose and connect it to everyday tasks, it reduces boredom and monotony, which can cause chronic stress and burnout. ​ When individuals see how their daily tasks fit into a bigger picture, it increases well-being at work and encourages thoughtful opinions and creative ideas. ​

The third strategy is to foster hope. ​ Jennifer mentions that many adults feel hopeless, which can hinder critical thinking. Organizations can build cognitive hope by focusing on pathways to goals, providing autonomy and a plan to reach goals, and fostering inclusive strategic planning. ​ Deliberate succession planning and role leadership models also contribute to building hope. ​

Additionally, Jennifer emphasizes the importance of productive relationships. Loneliness is described as a "friendship recession," and having friends at work significantly impacts employee well-being, engagement, and organizational success. ​ Building meaningful friendships involves respecting people's time, reducing meeting fatigue, and making space for friendships. ​

By prioritizing purpose, cultivating hope, and nurturing friendships, individuals can tap into their core skills with greater ease. ​ This leads to enhanced individual effectiveness and creates a culture of collaboration, innovation, and success within organizations and communities. ​

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Intervening Upstream: Why Firms Must Lead in Preventing Burnout