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.