In today’s rapidly changing world, the need for upskilling and reskilling has become more urgent than ever before. The World Economic Forum predicts that by 2025, half of all employees will need to acquire new skills to future-proof their careers and organizations. This reality is not lost on employees, with Gallup research showing that 48% of American workers would switch jobs for better skills training opportunities.
While many assume that the skills required for success in the future will be predominantly technical or digital, it’s surprising to learn that seven out of the ten most necessary skills identified by the World Economic Forum are what we commonly refer to as soft skills. These include analytical thinking, creative thinking, resilience, flexibility, agility, motivation, self-awareness, curiosity, lifelong learning, technological literacy, dependability, attention to detail, empathy, active listening, leadership, and social influence.
However, developing these soft skills can be challenging. They are often the most important skills for long-term success, yet they tend to be the most difficult to cultivate. The pandemic and remote work have further complicated matters, making it harder for individuals to interact and learn from one another. Some organizations have resorted to unconventional strategies, such as sending employees to charm school. But not every leader has the resources for such creative solutions.
Enter generative AI, an unexpected ally in soft skills development for leaders. Large language models, like ChatGPT, can serve as thought partners, behavioral nudges, and even coaches for those committed to developing new skills. After employees receive a baseline of learning about a specific soft skill, they can turn to AI for reinforcement and guidance.
Using prompts based on the World Economic Forum’s top soft skills, employees can engage with AI to plan, reflect upon, and evaluate their skills. For example, they can ask AI for suggestions on bringing greater creativity to their roles, assess their resilience and agility, reflect on self-awareness, practice curiosity, learn from stories of dependability, demonstrate empathy and active listening, and evaluate their leadership and social impact.
These prompts generate responses that may not always be perfect but offer a low-cost and scalable way for employees to own their learning and reinforce key concepts until they become second nature. This technology-supported approach democratizes soft skills learning, extending its reach to busy leaders and empowering employees to take charge of their development. It also enriches the quality of coaching conversations, as employees bring their self-directed efforts to the table.
In a world where the demand for new skills is constantly evolving, leveraging generative AI for soft skills development is a hi-tech solution to a low-tech need. It bridges the gap between the challenges of remote work and the importance of cultivating essential human skills. So why not give it a try? Engage with AI and be surprised by the richness and relevance of its responses. Embrace the future of learning and unlock your full potential in the ever-changing professional landscape.
Remember, the skills that set you apart are not just technical or digital; they are the soft skills that engineer career resilience and endurance over time.