Understanding the three essential skills

- The game has changed, right? The world works differently now, doesn't it? Catalyzed by pandemic restrictions, the future of work arrived quickly, driven by our actions and reactions trying to stay safe and in business. We engaged our ingenuity to adapt in emergency conditions. We implemented new digital platforms and applications, automated and updated workflows. In many cases, we transformed parts of our business to keep going and make progress. We made a shock transition, and that is the world we live and work in now. Through 2020 and 2021, the majority of underlying conditions were COVID accelerated, but technology generated, which we have been evolving towards for years. Before the pandemic, we strained against the changes that the fast-expanding Internet of Things were generating. We resisted updating operations to be more flexible and responsive for the data inundating us. But now we have had to make many upgrades, and we need to be building digital business skills to deal with the increased pace and uncertainty of marketplace developments that characterize our new reality. While volatility has decreased, supply chain disruption is ongoing, and conditions continue to be unpredictable. Technology advances cause our business models to shift or pivot and customer behaviors to evolve as people adapt in different ways to new or updated products and services. Business problems are more complicated, requiring sophisticated solutions that often involve multidisciplinary teams doing projects, working across silos. Being responsive and handling these dynamic and multifaceted situations means much greater reliance on human inputs and innovation. This requires our building human-centric skills that help talent adjust to new conditions, utilizing the platforms and tools with open-minded, flexible approaches. Employees must be able to communicate and collaborate well to develop and execute relevant solutions. Working together effectively at the new pace of business requires greater mutual understanding and well-developed interpersonal skills. Executive and managers at every level are now tasked with building new leadership skills for the new era of work. First, to foster a strong corporate culture and sense of belonging within a community where trust-based relationships flourish and help connect workers across silos in multiple locations. Leaders need to recognize, manage, and support people as individuals and adjust for their preferences as far as possible, enabling them to perform at their best. They also need to help employees develop their skills and self-manage their non-linear career paths. Well-being is critical to address holistically, considering a significant increase in mental health issues related to the pandemic. This is a different era of business and work. Transformation is necessary, which may seem chaotic at times. And progress will be uneven as we advance, and we need to anticipate, accept, and adapt for that along the way. Developing and practicing these skills will enable everyone to adjust to the new environments, expectations, and evolution. The good news? This era of work is human-centric, more personalized and empathetic, and we are on our way.