Dr Tony Wagner, a globally recognised expert in education, discusses the findings of a survey conducted on senior executives and workforce readiness programmes. The research reveals that there are several survival skills which every young person will need to get a good job and be successful.
Critical thinking and problem-solving
To compete in national and international markets, businesses need to engage the entire workforce in a problem-solving discussion. The purpose is to create products and services that meet customer demands.
Whether the aim is to be more cost-effective, provide better quality or offer greater value for money, organizations need to constantly improve their unique selling point. For this reason, employers need people who can properly analyze needs and provide solutions.
Collaboration across networks and leading by influence
The word ‘team’ can no longer be used as a reference to departments or units within a company, neither are teams limited to space or time. Teamwork is now a countrywide or even an international process. Respect for different religions, culture and races, will be critical to the productivity of global teams.
Agility and adaptability
In the business context, adaptability is often defined as the ability to move from one position or job to another. However, even those who remain in the same job for years will need to adapt to dynamic business environments.
Restructuring in organizations has become a necessity rather than a routine practice. Employees will need the skills to change and grow in their positions if the company is to remain competitive.
Effective oral and written communication
The primary complaint of educators and employers is that ‘students don’t know how to communicate effectively’. According to Wagner, poorly written communication is a result of poor analytical thinking.
In addition, students lack the art of persuasive writing, and are unable to clearly articulate their message. This is another thing that students will need to work on to ensure their success in the future.
These are some of the most important skills that a student could adopt when thinking about entering the job market. However, there are a few more essential skills that Dr. Wagner lays out in his seminar posted to YouTube.
