Workforce Readiness: What Are the Most Important Qualities and How to Spot Them
Robin Whitehouse
Over the past
couple of decades, literature surrounding workplace readiness has increasingly focused on the importance of bridging the gap between hard and soft skills. Until recently, the predominant belief was that cognitive abilities mattered most. This is no longer considered to be the case. Further research has gone on to suggest that both skill sets play an important role in determining success and that a combination of cognitive and non-cognitive skills is ultimately what produces the best employees.
That being said, as the components by which employers are able to evaluate job readiness become increasingly refined, several key skills have emerged as more important than others. You always want to be on the look for well-rounded individuals, but the relationship between employer and employee should also be reciprocal. The employer should be willing to help those they hire to develop the skills they already have, in addition to learning new ones.
In order to best determine where to allocate resources in terms of training and the skills to be on the look for, here is a breakdown of some of the most important skills that illustrate workforce readiness.
Complex problem solving
Directly tied to decision making, one of the most important indicators of a good problem solver is someone who acknowledges that problems happen all the time and that, rather than simply a reason to become frustrated, they are in fact an opportunity to improve the system and possibly the relationship. The fact of the matter is, problem-solving is a day to day activity of virtually any job, but most people entering the workforce have received no formal training.
This lack of preparedness can cause some to become scared or uncomfortable, thus shutting down and failing to contribute to finding a solution. Alternatively, encountering an unfamiliar problem can cause people to retaliate, they immediately look for someone else to blame and set out only to prove their lack of accountability for why things went wrong. A mature problem solver will understand that in order to properly solve the issue, you need to slow down and really identify the root of it. Importantly, they will not be concerned about assigning blame, but rather be interested dealing with the matter at hand in a way that will have the fewest long-term consequences for everyone involved.
Fluid intelligence and category flexibility
Fluid, as opposed to crystallized intelligence, is associated with the ability to learn new things, to draw on past experiences and influences, and to solve problems in a novel and innovative way. This is an especially valuable skill as the rapid pace of technology requires highly adaptable people who understand that the rules of the game could change at any time.
People who demonstrate fluid intelligence also understand the value of thinking outside the box and will be willing to push the boundaries of what is possible inside an organization. These are the people who are going to dream up the next big thing and have the dedication and foresight to carry it through. Someone with fluid intelligence is also able to identify trends and patterns more quickly than their less adaptable counterparts, this will give your organization a competitive advantage when it comes to anticipating market shifts and adjustments.
Teamwork and cooperation
Crucial to increased efficiency and idea generation, teamwork allows coworkers to learn from one another and creates a stimulating work environment for everyone involved. The aspect of work readiness that involves teamwork means that a potential employee has come to understand the value of sharing the workload and the importance of assigning tasks to the correct people.
A good team player is someone with initiative but who is not greedy when it comes to taking credit for a job well done. Essentially, these people understand that support roles are just as important as starring roles. They are willing to help out for the good of the organization and are genuinely able to appreciate the success of those around them while joining in the collective celebration. Teamwork is about creating a situation in which the end result is a product greater than the sum of its parts, and someone who values cooperation will appreciate the magic of this process.
Achievement, innovation and persistence
The willingness to push through challenges and tough times, working towards a goal, is a crucial component of work readiness. Everyone is happy working when things are going their way, but someone who is really ready to contribute to the workforce will be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel when difficult situations arise.
Furthermore, they will understand the satisfaction that comes from having to work hard to achieve a goal and seeing it through to the end. Unfortunately, a society fueled by instant gratification has created a dynamic in which some people are only motivated by immediate results. They are not able to rise to the challenge and rather get bored or distracted. A truly capable individual is not afraid to struggle and get their hands dirty. They understand that the reward will be that much sweeter at the end.
Communication skills and oral expression
Soft skills and emotional intelligence expressed through effective communication are critical attributes of a good employee. A person can be a genius, but if they can’t communicate and are unpleasant to be around, no one is going to listen to them. Organizations are increasingly defined by the character of their brand and their communication strategy, someone who is workplace ready understands this and sees themselves as an ambassador for the company they represent.
A good communicator is capable of expressing complex ideas in a succinct and approachable fashion and does not get frustrated when they have to invest the time to explain themselves properly. They understand that different people have different communication styles and are willing to adapt their approach based on the situation at hand. They also understand that different platforms require different types of communication strategies, and are able to be straightforward and honest during a one on one meeting, persuasive in front of a group, and approachable over email.
Lifelong learning and professional development
Of course, workplace readiness is an evolving and dynamic field that develops alongside society as a whole. The employer should also be willing to play an active role in fostering an environment in which their employees can continue to cultivate a diverse skillset and take active steps to help nurture the positive qualities that an employee already demonstrates.
It is important to understand that people perform at their best when they feel supported by the network they are operating in. Employers have a responsibility to create an environment that is nurturing rather than toxic. It is also important to remember that no one excels in every field of workforce readiness and that people can learn new skills with the right level of mentorship. Generally speaking, people want to improve themselves but are not always sure what step to take first in order to do so. It is important for employers to assess the strengths and weaknesses of all their employees and be proactive when it comes to helping them improve. The best workplace is one in which people feel they are continually evolving and working towards new goals.
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