Here’s a more digestible version of that hefty piece:
The Institute for the Future suggests that by 2030, 85% of jobs will be ones we can’t even imagine right now. Think about it – 20 years ago, the Internet was a baby and social media was a pipe dream. Fast-forward to today and we’ve got cryptocurrencies, VR, and a booming legal marijuana industry. So, how do we ready ourselves for jobs that don’t even exist yet?
Forget chasing every new tech skill – they’re evolving way too quickly. Instead, focus on these ten timeless soft skills:
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Negotiation: In your career, you’re bound to want more – a raise, better freelance rates, lower prices from suppliers. That’s where negotiation comes in. It’s a skill that takes practice, but mastering it can help you get more of what you want.
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Persuasion: It’s all about guiding people to see things your way. This is particularly crucial for marketers and entrepreneurs. Want to be a charismatic leader? Persuasion can help you align others with your vision.
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Conflict Management: Not everyone gets along, but some people are good at smoothing over disagreements. If you want to climb the corporate ladder, you’ll need to be able to settle disputes and move past hard feelings.
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Time Management: With endless emails and constant notifications, managing our time is more important than ever. With so much competing for our attention, we need to focus on what truly matters.
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Personal Productivity & Accountability: As more emphasis is put on results, you’ll need to be more accountable for your performance. So, understand how your performance is measured and focus on what truly matters.
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Stress Management: Work stress is on the rise, but managing your time and productivity can help keep stress levels in check. It’s up to you to master your job stress and avoid burnout.
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Effective Writing: With more communication happening online, writing effectively is no longer optional. People judge you based on your writing, so learning to write succinctly and persuasively is crucial.
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Financial Literacy: With pensions dwindling and the gig economy growing, you’ll need to take control of your own retirement planning. Understanding key finance concepts will allow you to chart your own career and financial path.
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Emotional Intelligence: This is the ability to recognize and manage your own and others’ emotions. It’s crucial for success in any field, and can be improved with practice.
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Adaptability & Ongoing Learning: With the workforce evolving rapidly, you’ll need to adapt and keep learning. This is the key to a long and successful career.
In a nutshell, the job market is going to look very different in ten years. Whether you’re a cab driver or a college student, disruption could be just around the corner. So, focus on developing these soft skills and never stop adapting and learning.
