How Companies Can Develop 2024's Most In Demand?Skills

A fantastic article by Sonya Bessalel on the LinkedIn learning blog gives the top 10 skills that are in demand for 2024.

Feel free to go into depth regarding how the Top 10 have been curated here .

These skills surprisingly are soft skills, not Machine Learning or SEO techniques. Leadership, Communication, Management etc. Yes, we all say we have most of these skills but your definition of good may of course be different to someone else’s or most importantly an employer’s requirements.

So how can HR or indeed a company take advantage of this especially with the high demand for these skills. Well with some planning, measurement, on the job training and learning you can help develop these skills in your workforce.

Communication:

Measurement: Assessing clarity in verbal and written communication, active listening skills, and effectiveness in conveying ideas to diverse audiences.

Training/Development:

• Communication workshops focusing on presentation skills, active listening, and effective written communication.
• Practicing communication in various settings, such as team meetings, client presentations, or public speaking engagements.
• Peer feedback sessions after to identify areas for improvement and practice giving and receiving constructive feedback.

Leadership:

Measurement: Evaluating the ability to inspire and motivate others, delegate tasks effectively, and drive results through influence and collaboration.

Training/Development:

• Leadership development programs covering topics such as emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and coaching/mentoring.
• Opportunities to lead cross-functional teams or projects to practice decision-making and strategic planning.
• Executive coaching or mentorship opportunities with experienced leaders to gain insights and guidance.

Project Management:

Measurement: Assessing proficiency in planning, organizing, and executing projects, including managing timelines, budgets, and resources.

Training/Development:

• Project management certification courses (e.g., Project Management Professional - PMP) covering best practices and methodologies.
• On-the-job training by leading or participating in projects with increasing complexity and responsibility.
• Mentoring from experienced project managers to learn practical project management skills and techniques.

Management:

Measurement: Evaluating skills in team building, performance management, conflict resolution, and decision-making.

Training/Development:

• Management training programs focusing on communication, and people management skills.
• Role-playing exercises or simulations to practice handling common management challenges, such as performance reviews or team conflicts.
• Encouraging participation in cross-functional projects or committees to gain experience in managing diverse teams and stakeholders.

Analytics:

Measurement: Assessing proficiency in data analysis, interpretation, and decision-making based on insights derived from data.

Training/Development:

• Analytics courses covering statistical analysis, data visualization, and predictive modelling techniques.
• Hands-on experience with analytics tools and software (e.g., Excel, Tableau, Python, R) through workshops or self-directed learning.
• Analysing real-world datasets and presenting findings to stakeholders to practice translating data into actionable insights.

Sales:

Measurement: Evaluating skills in prospecting, relationship building, negotiation, and closing deals.

Training/Development:

• Sales training programs covering sales techniques, objection handling, and customer relationship management.
• Role-playing exercises or sales simulations to practice pitching products/services and handling customer objections.
• Shadowing experienced sales representatives to observe effective sales strategies and techniques in action.

Problem Solving:

Measurement: Assessing the ability to identify, analyse, and solve complex problems using critical thinking and creative problem-solving techniques.

Training/Development:

• Problem-solving workshops focusing on techniques such as root cause analysis, brainstorming, and decision-making.
• Cross-functional projects or task forces to tackle business challenges and develop innovative solutions collaboratively.
• Encouraging a culture of experimentation and learning from failure to foster a problem-solving mindset among employees.

Research:

Measurement: Evaluating skills in gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing information to support decision-making or address specific questions or challenges.

Training/Development:

• Research methodology courses covering qualitative and quantitative research techniques, data collection methods, and analysis.
• Hands-on experience with research tools and databases through on-the-job training or self-directed learning.
• Collaborating with subject matter experts or academic partners to conduct research studies or publish findings in industry journals or reports.

Customer Service:

Measurement: Assessing the ability to understand customer needs, provide timely and effective solutions, and build positive relationships with clients.

Training/Development:

• Customer service training programs covering communication skills, empathy, and problem-solving techniques.
• Role-playing exercises or simulations to practice handling customer inquiries, complaints, and feedback.
• Encouraging regular interaction with customers and soliciting feedback to identify areas for improvement and enhance the customer experience.

Conclusion:

Having a measurement and a conversation with employees is the best first step you can take, agreeing on a plan and providing targeted training and development opportunities, HR and companies can help employees improve their soft skills in these key areas, ultimately leading to enhanced performance and success in their roles.