THE 12 TIMELESS SKILLS THAT KEEP YOU RELEVANT
By Vinisha Rathod
Even if you’re unclear on what you want to do with your life or feel you’ve lost your spark, there are timeless skills that not only remain valuable but also help you stand out in surprising ways. Whether you’re entering the workforce, re-entering it, simply trying to reconnect with your work mojo, or even volunteering for work experience, honing these skills will always be worth it.
One thing I’ve learnt over the years: common sense isn’t so common. I would almost label these skills as bare minimum professional skills and attributes. These are the kinds of skills that will serve you, even when AI, nanotech, or flying robots take over. Understanding what these timeless qualities are will help you spot them in yourself, or at the very least begin to grow them. As you read through the list, notice which ones resonate. You might already have more of them than you think.
1. Problem-solving
You come up with solutions to problems, not just more problems. This is a great skill to practise and develop as you go through your career, as it helps your managers deal with their mental load.
2. Accountability
Work is not everything, and you may not even enjoy your role; however, if you are working for someone, you take pride in what you deliver. When something doesn’t go as planned, you take ownership and provide an update with clear next steps.
3. Critical thinking
You question assumptions and decisions to find alternative outcomes.
4. Willingness to learn
A number of studies of successful executives have highlighted that a lifelong learning mentality is a standout feature. The world is evolving at such a pace that it would be naive not to see life as a place for ongoing learning.
5. ‘A safe pair of hands’
I developed a strong reputation built on trust; my managers knew if they asked me to do something, I would deliver properly but also use my strong initiative to think five steps ahead. Strong initiative kept stakeholders aware across the work and ensured work was tracked, so anyone could pick up on it if needed. No sneaky motives.
6. Receptive to feedback
You can receive and act on feedback without argument or resentment (within reason) and know when to pick your battles.
7. Positive demeanour
Our demeanours are very contagious, and if you have a good one, then doors open for you because people will like having you around. The word energy is being used in the mainstream, and is good energy commercial? Yes! Have you heard of the airport test? Look it up.
8. Customer oriented
Always, always care about your customer, regardless of whether they are internal or external. They are the ones bringing in revenue. Remember, it’s not about you; it’s about how you are helping to solve their problem.
9. Meeting preparation and actions
Time is an important asset, and the amount wasted on meetings with no outcomes is ridiculous. Being conscious of this and efficient in how you operate with something as simple as an agenda and follow-up will help you stand out, and also enable leaders to trust you to deliver the work required.
10. Give credit where it’s due and remember those who helped you
This is a wonderful leadership practice that anyone can engage in. Acknowledging when others have done the work, even if they’re not in the room, says a lot about you. Even if your work culture doesn’t model this yet, your actions can still make a meaningful impact.
11. Phone-savvy
With fewer people feeling comfortable talking on the phone, and instead hiding behind text messages and emails, being confident in having phone conversations will make you stand out (even better in person).
12. Communication
From how you write an email, present, manage stakeholders and share insights. I know this can be more difficult for some personality types, but the wonderful part is that with generative AI you can get support with this. If you are able to convey what is in your mind on a screen or to a group, it will help you so much!
Edited extract from The Briefcase Effect (Grammar Factory $24.99).
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