Get Ready for Future Challenges & Opportunities

older hand writing on a chalkboard the words never stop learningI recently read a bold statement by Angelique Rewers: “AI will be the greatest disruption to the business world – and to life in general – that we’ve seen thus far in human history.”

That got me thinking about those just starting their careers and also about mid-career business professionals in their 40s and 50s. It’s more than I can fathom, and a steep road ahead. In 5 years, consumer behavior and technological advances will drive significant changes in the business world.

To be well-positioned to navigate future challenges and identify opportunities, what skills must be mastered? Your guess is as good as mine. The point is to spend time thinking and preparing for what is around the corner.

Here is my list of skills to master:

  • Rapid retention. Analyze how you learn so you can determine how to improve it so you can absorb new data quickly, leverage and apply it, and teach others what you have learned. Routinely sort data into buckets of importance and let go of 80%.
  • Flexibility, adaptability & resilience. Become a master of change. Train yourself to see events and circumstances as a gift and opportunity. This will propel you forward, quicken your response to change, enhance your ability to analyze complex problems, identify patterns, and develop practical solutions.
  • Digital literacy. Become proficient in using purpose-driven digital tools and technologies. This includes artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, social media, and digital marketing to drive business growth and innovation.
  • Mental fitness. Our lives are fuller than ever, with increasing demands and significant social, economic, and political uncertainties. How you respond to life’s challenges is essential to your success and happiness. Learning how to identify and tackle your self-sabotaging behaviors will lead to significant transformation.
  • Project leadership. Learn how to lead diverse teams, establish solid relationships, communicate effectively, and use critical thinking skills while focusing on creativity and innovation. The competition will get more challenging in the future, and excelling at delivering exceptional customer service as one brand, one firm, is essential.
  • Prioritize organization and time management. There are 168 hours available to you weekly. Schedule your priorities rather than prioritizing your schedule. Your results will be off the chart. 20% of what you do creates 80% of your success.

The explosion of artificial intelligence will significantly impact the business world and our lives in general. The good news is that you can create a plan now to identify, develop, and improve the skills you need to stay ahead of the curve. Take time now to invest in yourself and your skills and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.

What is a skill you must master in the future?