In an era of constant crises and uncertainty, companies are increasingly seeking professionals who possess not just strong hard and soft skills but also the ability to manage themselves effectively. In this revised version, we’ll explore why self-skills have become critical and how they shape career success and productivity.
The Evolution of Skills: From Hard and Soft to Self
For years, the skillset focus revolved around two main categories: hard skills and soft skills. Hard skills include technical expertise, such as programming, analytics, or accounting, while soft skills refer to interpersonal and non-technical competencies, such as communication, teamwork, and time management.
Both skill types aim to achieve external goals, such as task execution or collaboration. However, their development hinges on a deeper understanding of oneself—emotions, goals, and needs. This is where self-skills come in: the ability to manage oneself, stay motivated, and remain resilient in any situation.
The World Economic Forum’s top five essential skills for today’s world emphasize self-skills, such as:
- Resilience and adaptability
- Self-motivation and self-awareness
- Curiosity and lifelong learning
These skills are universally sought after, as they directly impact productivity in a fast-changing environment. Creative and analytical thinking, also crucial self-skills, round out the top five.
The Rise of Self-Skills
The increasing importance of self-skills can be attributed to several trends, particularly the rise of remote work. Managing oneself is vital when working in a flexible or hybrid format. For example, despite companies like Amazon and Tesla encouraging employees to return to the office, hybrid work remains dominant in many industries.
Furthermore, rapid global changes demand flexibility, quick decision-making, and adaptive strategies. Employees must not only manage themselves but also contribute to team resilience.
Core Self-Skills and Their Development
Key self-skills include:
- Self-Motivation: The internal drive to pursue goals despite challenges. Develop this by fostering autonomy, competence, and a sense of belonging. Techniques like the “backup choices” method or combining learning with entertainment can help.
- Self-Reflection: Regularly analyze your actions and emotions to refine your approach.
- Self-Discipline: Create habits and routines that align with your goals.
- Continuous Self-Improvement: Stay curious and seek opportunities for growth.
- Stress Management: Build resilience through mindfulness, exercise, or relaxation techniques.
Why Leaders Value Self-Skills
Managers increasingly prioritize self-sufficient employees who can take charge of their motivation and productivity. As one leader put it:
“If someone can’t manage themselves, why should I do it for them?”
Self-skills reduce managerial burdens and create a more adaptable, motivated, and productive team.
By developing these skills, you not only advance your career but also thrive in an ever-changing professional landscape.
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