Must-Have Skills To Pursue For 2023

Believe it or not, we’re just over two months away from 2023. With a new year comes the chance to work towards new objectives. If you’re interested in advancing your career in the near future, you’ll want to make sure your “new year, new me” includes embracing trending skills.

We’ve previously covered some of the best skills to learn for 2022, along with which skills to leave off of your resume. While many 2022 skills are still highly relevant and transferable, the ever-evolving business world requires new skills to stay up to date. Join us as we examine Forbes’ Jack Kelly’s list of competitive skills to master in 2023 and add some insights of our own!

Adaptability

Adaptability was one of our top recommended skills for 2022, and it’s no surprise to see it topped Jack’s list for 2023. While adaptability has always been a prime trait, the speedy advancements in technology and the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic have further increased the importance of this skill.

Jack mentions the uncertainty of the job market, corporations having massive layoffs without replacing their workforce, and the inconsistency of remote and office jobs as rising traits that look to continue in 2023. The constant uncertainty, and the idea that you may need to switch jobs due to outside circumstances, means that those who can adapt and go with the flow will have the most success.

“To adapt to changes, you may need to continually reinvent yourself and pivot to new career directions.” -Jack Kelly

If you’re looking to become more adaptable, Harvard Business Review’s Michael Mankins recommends showing a willingness to adapt in the first place, working on your flexibility, and learning how to plan for multiple outcomes. You can learn further strategies here.

Coding

You may not work in software development or be a coder, but almost every job requires working with ever-evolving technology. There are so many quality-of-life enhancements brought about by new technology, and to get the most out of them, you’ll want at least a basic understanding of the underlying technology.

Jack says that building a comfort level is immensely helpful, and having a basic understanding of coding, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, or cybersecurity will give you an excellent foundation.

If you wish to take things even further, many of the most predicted in-demand skills over the next ten years involve different forms of technology. Maryna Zavyiboroda lists cloud computing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and blockchain as some of the most profitable skills in the tech world.

Kool Stories mentions that learning coding, already a profitable skill, also enhances your problem-solving, mathematics, communication, and creativity skills.

Communication skills

Communication is another evergreen skill we should always be working toward, but it’s still one that many struggle with. Almost every job requires communication with other human beings, so this is one of the most-transferable skills.

This goes beyond your basic written and oral communication skills as well. As should be apparent, our use of technology will only keep growing, so knowing how to communicate digitally is key to successfully expressing yourself. Without body language in the mix, you need to make sure you quickly and efficiently convey your message to avoid confusion and get the desired outcome.

Jack mentions how vital these skills are to your own marketability. Even if you’re highly skilled or experienced, if you can’t communicate that, you’ll find it hard to get an audience.

Resilience

Rectec found that seven of the top ten skills employers desired were soft skills over hard, or intelligible and highly transferable skills. We’ve discussed many of them at length in prior posts, but at the core of each one lies the need for resilience and grit.

“Soft skills are nothing new, and they’ve been a major driving factor behind rebuilt interview strategies in the wake of COVID-19.” -Rectec

Jack says that times may be tough, and things may not go our way. Job seeking is much more complicated than it was 20 years ago. If you can teach yourself to be resilient, it will be much easier to not only roll with the punches but also to develop any other necessary skills to get ahead.

“Teach yourself how to be self-resilient, and build the confidence to pursue what you want. It’s okay to have fear and trepidation, but you must keep forging against all odds and obstacles.” -Jack Kelly

Wrap up

The job market is always uncertain and constantly shifting. But if you’re willing to get ahead of the curve, you can work towards highly-transferable skills that will serve you no matter which job title you pursue. Adaptability, communication, and resilience will always be valuable, and in today’s world, the most you understand technology, the better your baseline will be. Start mastering these skills now to be prepared for the future!

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Becoming a Better Leader in the Workplace

Whether you are the CEO of your company or simply taking charge of one objective in a new business project, being a sound leader is critical. Leadership doesn’t come naturally for everyone, but thankfully, it doesn’t have to. One great example is in Author, Director, and Management Consultant, Peter Gasca. In a piece for The Entrepreneur, Peter admits his lack of natural leadership but credits his mentors and his ambition for new challenges as the root of his leadership growth. Being an introvert doesn’t make you a pushover or incapable of leadership. In fact, introverts are often better listeners than extroverts, which a key characteristic of leadership. Review the four simple priorities Peter recommends every aspiring leader set early in their career.

In this breakdown, we reveal three critical factors to becoming a better leader in the workplace: 

Communication

If you exhibit an uplifting, optimistic spirit, others will follow suit. If you appear discouraged or disinterested, your team will become concerned and uninspired. Being vulnerable to your team does not make you weak, but rather a leader that employees will want to follow. Admitting when you’re wrong will cultivate respect from your peers and your employees by elevating a sense of accountability.

The most renowned leaders are great listeners who show a genuine interest in workplace conversations. Get ‘in the trenches’ and be a part of the team. When discussing long-term goals and analyzing the bigger picture, allow your employees to feel they are a part of the team as well. Be intentional in constructing a bond with them and occasionally discussing matters outside of work. Consider stepping outside your office and walking amongst your team members or employees, but do not micromanage or talk down to others. Instead, take a mentoring approach and seek out what’s best for their career development. 

Trust Your Team

Have confidence in your subordinates, have faith in your peers, and encourage their involvement. As you begin to learn your employees’ skill-sets and strengths, you will know who to trust most in critical situations or with new projects. When you start trusting others, they will start trusting in you. Additionally, you will be offering them opportunities to grow and take on leadership responsibilities themselves. 

When you invest in your employees, you will see individuals grow into more productive, engaged, and happy employees. Seek out feedback for new ways to garner motivation, reward employees, and become a more effective leader. Foster creativity in your team by challenging them in areas you believe they will excel. When an issue does arise, or a mistake occurs, always give your team the benefit of the doubt. Get to the root of the problem and do your part in ensuring the problem does not happen again.

“Leadership is the ability to guide others without force into a direction or decision that leaves them still feeling empowered and accomplished.” – Lisa Cash Hanson

Celebrate Others’ Wins

When you notice somebody is doing a good job, go beyond the ‘pat on the back.’ Acknowledge and honor them publicly. When they take a bold step in sharing a new idea or comment during a meeting, show your appreciation for their contributions. Hearing compliments of their work will not only provide a sense of accomplishment but will increase confidence, provide affirmation, and bring a sense of job security. The happier your employees are, the more productive and passionate they will become. Not much is better than happy and appreciative employees having your back.

Although it is important to celebrate others and have fun, you must also remember to stay assertive and hold your team accountable to gain respect. Don’t let your team get stationary. Your employees are relying on you to help keep their goals a priority. Lastly, when discussing an employee’s room for improvement or growth, do so privately to refrain from publicly embarrassing or belittling them. 

Wrap Up

What are your preconceived notions of quality leadership? Rid yourself of the ‘my way or the highway’ mentality. It is not about being the loudest in the room, the most-liked, or most recognized. Authentic leadership involves wanting the best out of your team and aspiring to see others grow. The best leaders aim to inspire, entrust, and keep morale high. It is not a quick and easy process, but you can lead your team to success through pure intentions and deliberate planning.

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Facing Career Disappointment Head-On

Whether it is losing your job, failing to receive a job offer, or merely making a mistake on a new project, we all encounter disappointments in our careers. What is your experience in conquering yours? Are you aware of all the tools at your disposal? Don’t allow yourself to become a spectator of life because of one mistake. Take these three steps to renew your confidence and get back on track:

“Disappointment is the nurse of wisdom.” – Sir Boyle Roche

Accept Your Feelings & Move On

Encountering disappointment is inevitable, so we must practice accepting and choosing to view it as a form of growth.
What Not To Do:
-Do not guilt or shame yourself for feeling discouraged.
-Do not pass the blame onto someone else.
-Do not make a rash decision that you will come to regret.

The best way to cope with your feelings and get it out of your system quickly is to open up about what happened. Talk it out, write it down, and prepare to move on. Creativity expert Diana Raab, Ph.D., promotes the use of ‘free writing’ because “it can help you express concern and emotions in a non-threatening way. The journal is non-judgmental and will listen.”

If you are an active job seeker facing rejection from employers, find confidence in your resilience. The high bar you have likely set for yourself is admirable and will ultimately help you reach your full potential, but don’t stay out of the game for too long. Instead, choose to view your next opportunity as a stepping stone to something greater. If that means temporarily broadening the prerequisites of your ideal job, so be it.

Find new energy and motivation through co-workers and your friends and family. Surround yourself with those who will listen and allow you to vent or blow off a little steam. Your closest friends and family will often be there to provide the necessary encouragement and keep you from the self-criticism and negative thoughts built up in your head. However, it is important to be swift when cycling through your feelings. The longer you harp on your disappointments, the more discouraged you will feel.

Get Realistic

Our brains are naturally wired to pinpoint the negatives surrounding us, but there are still steps to overcome them. Do you have tendencies of a perfectionist, continually finding faults in your work? It’s great always to be striving to improve, but not when it comes at the cost of your happiness. Stop comparing your career ‘lows’ to other people’s career ‘highs.’ It’s not fair to others, and it’s not fair to yourself.

It is important to set lofty career goals, but it is equally important to keep your present expectations realistic. Take a step back and ask yourself if you are acting overdramatic. Ask yourself questions like, “Will this matter three years from now? Or even three weeks?” Quit perceiving disappointment as a sign of failure, but rather an opportunity to try something new. What did you learn? What steps can you take to ‘right the ship?’

“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

Bounce Back with a Win

How we choose to handle our disappointments will determine our eventual success. When you learn the applicable lesson from your disappointment, it’s time to get back on the winning track. It does not need to be a ‘huge win’, but establishing a little momentum is vital for career growth. Do not attempt to overcompensate with a risky move that could end up proving costly. Take small steps to get back in the game and keep moving forward.

Support from your friends and family is great, but ultimately, hard work, dedication, and passion have to come from you. Can you think of something specific to you that provides extra motivation and self-encouragement? I urge you to meditate on that thought and find a notion that will ignite a flame in you no matter what current path of life may be. When you choose to persevere through strife, your efforts will soon be rewarded.

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