How “future proof” is your organization?

According to the World Economic Forum, we are on the verge of a technological revolution that is predicted to “fundamentally alter the way we live, work, and relate to one another.”

Known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, this disruption will be felt in every industry and in every country.

We’re already seeing it, hearing it and experiencing it in our everyday lives – both at home and at work. It has already had an impact on the way organizations are structured, the way we work and what new skills are now required – both now and in the immediate future. In time, the traditional organizational models of the past and legacy mindsets will fade, paving the way for more agile, collaborative, innovative and adaptive methods of doing business.

Despite this, the reality is that most organizations are not prepared for this revolution. A recent Bersin by Deloitte study, Predictions for 2017 finds that:

• 90% of organizations surveyed believe their core business is threatened by new digital competitors
• 70% believe they do not have the right leadership, skills, or operating models to adapt.

So what can organizations do?

High performing organizations who have their eye on ensuring sustainability, are responding by ensuring they have the right skills to stay competitive and relevant. HR and L&D are at the forefront because they know the ultimate competitive advantage lies in the ability to learn fast, but in a way that does not compromise quality and facilitates learning that is tightly aligned to critical business outcomes.

What are those skills?

According to The World Economic Forum, the 10 top skills required in the Fourth Industrial Revolution are:

1. Complex Problem Solving
2. Critical Thinking
3. Creativity
4. People Management
5. Coordinating with Others
6. Emotional Intelligence
7. Judgment and Decision Making
8. Service Orientation
9. Negotiation
10. Cognitive Flexibility

Now what?

Well, now it is up to each organization to determine the best way to go about equipping its employees with these skills.

Start with providing an evergreen source of relevant, digital learning assets, all curated to meet the business needs of today’s digital organizations.

Kristin Shackelford is the Solution Principal of the Business & Leadership Portfolio at Skillsoft.