From education and experience to a focus on Skills

The Future of Jobs Report 2023 from the World Economic Forum reports that three-quarters of businesses say they’re hiring for roles today that didn’t exist a year ago—and that previous key positions are now obsolete. 94% of business leaders expect employees to pick up new skills on the job and 40% of leaders say their employees’ core skills will change in the next five years.

Employees are providing feedback via continuous listening, pulse and engagement surveys that meaningful work, opportunities for development and learning are key requirements to keep them engaged and performing.

Skills do matter.

When applying a skills-based approach in an organisation people are seen as individuals with unique technical abilities, behavioural competencies, and personal identity. The concept of the whole person is embraced by the organisation.

What do we mean when we say Skills?

Central to skills is a combination of technical abilities, behavioural competencies, and personal attributes. Over the course of our careers, we develop or learn skills through job roles, stretch projects and lessons learned. Education, on-the-job training, coaching and mentoring, also develops skills in us. Whereas we also bring qualities and strengths that are part of our unique identity and behaviour.

Two key takeaways

1. Rather than focusing on skills in isolated pieces, organisations must consider the whole person they’re hiring or developing, as well as their company’s culture, values, and business goals.

2. People are seeking meaning and purpose from their work. Understanding how their role contributes to their team and the organisation helps them feel more closely connected to the company’s mission and vision, driving intrinsic motivation and performance. When people feel like they’re languishing in their role or their skills are not being utilized or recognized, they’re less motivated and engaged. Hiring people with deep expertise won’t be helpful if they’re frustrated by a lack of learning and development opportunities or feel disconnected from the company’s mission.

A skills-based organisation recognizes that people have a wide range of unique skills, capabilities and mindsets that combine to allow them to be successful in various roles. These organisations also understand that skills should be looked at in the context of the work to be done to achieve the organisation’s strategy today and tomorrow.

Want to understand more how skills and capabilities can support your organisation?

Contact us today to find out more. Book some time with one of our consultants on our Book an Appointment page.