The 8 Skills to Target in 2025 Training & Development Plans

As we approach 2025, organizations need to align their training and development plans with the most critical skills that future-proof their workforce. According to the World Economic Forum's (WEF) "Future of Jobs" report, the most in-demand skills in 2023 will continue to shape the workplace through 2027. Here are the eight must-have skills that were in the top 10 in both WEF lists for skills in 2023 and skills to focus on in 2023-2027. See the full report at https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2023/digest/

1. Analytical Thinking

#1 Skill in 2023, #1 Focus for Re-Skilling in 2023-27

In the age of big data and complex decision-making, analytical thinking is essential for employees across industries. This skill involves the ability to critically evaluate information, identify trends, and draw meaningful conclusions to inform strategic actions. Employees with strong analytical thinking skills can make data-driven decisions, which are increasingly important in a world driven by automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and digitization.

Example Training Course: Structured Thought and Problem Solving is a course that teaches the analytical methodology that the Big 3 elite strategy consulting firms (McKinsey, Bain, BCG) use to solve problems for clients. Find it at https://www.thoughtleadersllc.com/services/structured-thought-problem-solving/ref/7/

2. Creative Thinking

#2 Skill in 2023, #2 Focus for Re-Skilling in 2023-27

While technology is transforming industries, the need for creative thinking remains as vital as ever. Creative thinkers can approach problems from unconventional perspectives, fostering innovation and opening new paths to solutions. Whether it's developing a new product, finding ways to cut costs, or creating engaging customer experiences, creativity is a differentiator in the competitive marketplace.

Example Training Course: Breakthrough Innovation is a course that teaches people how to generated creative strategies that separate you from the competition. Find it at https://www.thoughtleadersllc.com/courses/breakthrough-innovation/ref/7/

3. Resilience, Flexibility, and Agility

#3 Skill in 2023, #5 Focus for Re-Skilling in 2023-27

The volatility of modern markets and the rapid pace of technological change require workers to be resilient, flexible, and agile. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks, while flexibility and agility enable employees to adapt to changing circumstances quickly. These skills are critical as businesses face constant disruption, and employees need to pivot their approaches to tackle new challenges effectively.

Example Training Course: Building Personal Resilience is a course that teaches people to build resilience in a way that enables you to harness the power for turbulence in and use it in a positive way. Find it at https://www.thoughtleadersllc.com/services/building-resilience/ref/7/

4. Curiosity and Lifelong Learning

#5 Skill in 2023, #6 Focus for Re-Skilling in 2023-27

In a world where technological advancements are reshaping industries, curiosity and lifelong learning are indispensable. Employees who continuously seek to expand their knowledge and skills remain relevant and valuable to their organizations. Lifelong learners are more likely to embrace new technologies and adapt to changing job roles, positioning themselves as assets in the evolving workplace.

Example Resources: Books are a great gateway to exploring and finding new skills to learn. Here is a list of 50 of the leadership and strategy books that are most widely held by public libraries https://discoveredlogic.com/50-essential-books-on-leadership-and-strategy/

5. Leadership and Social Influence

#9 Skill in 2023, #4 Focus for Re-Skilling in 2023-27

Effective leadership and social influence are not limited to those with managerial titles. Employees at all levels need leadership skills to inspire, guide, and influence others toward shared goals. Leadership also involves emotional intelligence, the ability to understand and manage emotions, and to navigate interpersonal relationships effectively. These skills help in building cohesive teams and driving collaboration across departments.

Example Training Courses: Leadership is a broad topic with many different training opportunities. Here are a two courses from different angles. Leading Inside the Box teaches people how to identify the specific needs of team members and deliver the right leadership for each with this course -https://www.thoughtleadersllc.com/services/leading-inside-the-box/ref/7/ Leading with Influence teaches leaders to get people to act using influence instead of just relying on their authority. -https://www.thoughtleadersllc.com/services/leading-with-influence/ref/7/

6. Motivation and Self-Awareness

#4 Skill in 2023, #9 Focus for Re-Skilling in 2023-27

Motivation and self-awareness are critical for personal and professional growth. Motivation drives employees to set goals, take initiative, and persevere through challenges. Self-awareness helps individuals recognize their strengths and weaknesses, fostering a continuous improvement mindset. Employees with high motivation and self-awareness are more likely to take ownership of their work and contribute meaningfully to their teams.

Example Training Course: Learn how to create a mindset that will set you up for personal and professional growth - https://www.thoughtleadersllc.com/courses/cultivating-a-growth-mindset/ref/7/

7. Technological Literacy

#6 Skill in 2023, #7 Focus for Re-Skilling in 2023-27

With digital transformation at the forefront of most industries, technological literacy is a non-negotiable skill for today’s workforce. Employees need to understand and use emerging technologies effectively to stay competitive. Whether it’s AI, data analytics, cybersecurity, or automation tools, technological proficiency enables employees to leverage innovation for improved performance and efficiency.

8. Empathy and Active Listening

#8 Skill in 2023, #10 Focus for Re-Skilling in 2023-27

In an increasingly digital and remote work environment, empathy and active listening are essential to maintain meaningful human connections. Empathy allows individuals to understand and share the feelings of others, fostering collaboration and trust in teams. Active listening, meanwhile, ensures that employees fully engage with their colleagues and clients, enhancing communication and preventing misunderstandings.

Example Training Course: Listening to Get Results teaches participants to improve their listening skills to understand the spoken and unspoken messages to build relationships. See it at https://www.thoughtleadersllc.com/courses/listening-to-get-results/ref/7/

Conclusion

As the world continues to change, so must our approach to employee development. Prioritizing these eight skills—analytical thinking, creative thinking, resilience and flexibility, curiosity, leadership, motivation, technological literacy, and empathy—will equip your workforce to thrive in the future of work. Incorporating these into your 2025 training and development plans will not only enhance individual performance but also ensure your organization remains competitive and innovative in the face of new challenges.

Note: The author of this article may receive commission payments from purchases of content referenced in this article. Images and content were generated with the help of ChatGPT.

About the Author - Victor Prince (www.victorprince.com ) is a leadership author, coach, and trainer. His books include Lead Inside the Box (Career Press, 2015) and The Camino Way (HarperCollins Leadership/AMACOM, 2017). His past experience includes: Bain & Co. consultant, Wharton MBA, and COO of the US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.