Skills development

Skills development

COVID-19 has definitely changed how we used to do things before, from working home to more online meetings, e-menus at restaurants and of course wearing masks. With this ‘new ways’ of doing things and most of which we really do not like, some positive things, however, have emerged from the pandemic; some individuals want to grow further ahead in their careers and in life generally. To some, a new language is being learnt, more exercising perhaps, others are practising meditation, spending more time with family and basically just venturing into new exciting things.

Skills development is one area that some are focusing on. This involves identifying your skill gaps and developing and honing those skills. Skills development during this period can actually pave way for more advancement in your career, you can take time to see how you can do things differently or even more creatively and innovatively compared to how you normally did them before.

For example, say you want to be a cooperate brand influencer and you own a camera and at this time you are thinking of a way to grow your brand in a cost-effective way that is still very professional. The challenge, however, is that you are always hiring someone to take your pictures or videos when you can look up a way to carry out the shoot with a one-man team, meaning you can get ideas from Pinterest perhaps or YouTube and learn how to take your own pictures and also find an online course to learn how to edit these pictures/videos. This is one example of skills development; flexibility, adaptability and being able to solve problems.

Skills development requires you to;

• Be adaptable
• Multi-skilled
• Re-skill and up-skill
• Know your why and that way you can survive anyhow

Some skills involved in skills development include;

• Communication skills
• Analytical and research skills
• Interpersonal abilities
• Ability to make decisions and solve problems
• Ability to plan, organise and prioritise work
• Ability to wear multiple hats
• Leadership/ management skills
• Attention to detail
• Creativity and tactfulness
• Strong work ethic

The labour market has a lot of competition, therefore the acquisition of practical competencies, know-how and attitudes will be necessary to perform some form of trade or take up occupation in the market. The world is moving fast and changing; furthermore, with the onset of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, it is best to stay well equipped to deal with these rapid changes and new ways of thinking.

Skills development, therefore, helps in staying on top and it leads to competitive advantage; you need to have something that nobody else has in order to be the best. This type of development is not only for employees but also for employers and anyone who wants to personally grow as they keep learning.

In order to achieve success, it is pivotal to learn skills development in order to deal with ambiguity and disruptive trends. The adapting of skills and certain attitudes is inevitable to prosper in the future years.