This year Spring Professional has presented its study “Los + buscados” [“The Most Sought-after”], on the most demanded profiles in the Spanish market and the skills most required by companies. Technology and innovation was once again stressed a relevant factor in the search for the best management talent, regardless of the sector under question. A clear focus was also placed on new leadership styles and, above all, the capacity to adapt to this VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) environment.
More technology, more soft skills
Despite living in an increasingly digital world, studies such as that by the World Economic Forum on the Future of Work point towards the increasingly necessary combination of technical/technological skills and social skills. The more we use technology, the more we need to focus on people.
In terms of technical skills, it can be difficult to predict which are the most in demand and, in any case, it will depend on our sector. LinkedIn has found the 25 most in-demand technical skills and has worked on them through courses. And among the necessary soft skills that all new leaders must have, we can highlight the following:
- Ability to communicate effectively
- Critical thinking
- Interpersonal skills or ability to empathise
- Teamwork
- Quick adaptation to change and resilience
- Results-oriented
- Creativity and Innovation
The new leaders who will drive the change
“Leadership no longer only corresponds to those who have people under their responsibility, but rather each employee must feel like a leader in their own space,” said Carlos Casas, head of Talent and Culture at BBVA. In increasingly less hierarchical and flexible structures, leadership is understood as intrinsic to the culture and values of each company. “Leadership for each and every employee is going to be fundamental.” This is a new, more inclusive leadership, which has nothing to do with positions, but with the relationships among the members of the organisation.
New leaders need to have a strong sense of purpose: to generate a positive impact on people, organisations and their environments. They must share this purpose and empower people to make it a reality. Technology is a great ally in achieving exponential change. New leaders have to be willing to take risks, be open to experiment and be resilient, consider failure as a learning opportunity and constantly adapt to change.
