Skills development

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes in the way we carry out our daily routines. Working from home, attending online meetings, and using e-menus at restaurants are just a few examples of new ways to do things. Although some of these changes are not enjoyable, the pandemic has brought positive changes. Many individuals are now more determined to pursue personal growth and development, whether through learning a new language, regular exercise, meditation, spending more time with family or exploring exciting new ventures.

One area of focus for personal development during this time is skills development. Skills development involves identifying gaps in your skillset and taking proactive steps to develop and refine those skills. By dedicating time to skills development during this pandemic, you can position yourself for more significant advancements in your career. In addition, you can use this time to explore new and innovative ways of doing things, which may ultimately lead to increased efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

For instance, if you aspire to become a corporate brand influencer and own a camera, you may want to explore cost-effective ways to grow your brand while maintaining a professional standard. Instead of hiring someone to take your pictures or videos, you can take inspiration from resources like Pinterest or YouTube to learn how to shoot, edit and produce high-quality content. The ability to learn all these skills demonstrates the flexibility, adaptability, and problem-solving skills essential for success in today’s job market.

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

In today’s labour market, competition is fierce. As such, it is essential to acquire practical competencies, knowledge, and attitudes to succeed in a trade or occupation. In addition, the world is evolving rapidly, and the onset of the Fourth Industrial Revolution requires us to be well-prepared to handle these changes and new ways of thinking.

Skills development is crucial for staying ahead and gaining a competitive advantage. It is vital to possess unique abilities that set you apart from others. Skills development is not limited to employees alone; it also benefits employers and individuals who strive to continue learning and growing.

To achieve success, embracing skills, development and adapting to disruptive trends and ambiguity is crucial. Learning new skills and adopting certain attitudes are necessary to thrive in the years ahead.