Flipping the script on the talent shortage discussion
Even if you don’t work in human resources, you are probably aware of the labor market’s current talent shortage. Companies are anxious to secure skilled labor, but many of the former tried-and-true tactics for doing so have lost traction since the pandemic turned our former ways of working upside down. In this article, I suggest a different way to approach the problem; an approach that doesn’t merely focus on demographics, compensation packages or the remote work issue.
I believe that the solution already exists. It’s merely lying dormant in the minds of your existing staff, waiting for its catalyst. Just as a fire cannot burn without oxygen, creative problem-solving cannot occur without certain foundational skills — adaptability, digital fluency, and resiliency — as catalysts necessary for “a reaction”. Provided the proper environment and resources, this reaction will occur in the form of innovative responses to this problem, AND the other problems that will arise as we adjust to this new world of work.
New problems require adaptive solutions.
In a recent McKinsey Global Institute report, Dondi, Klier, Panier, and Schubert (2021) identified 56 skills and attitudes associated with success in the workforce of the future. Among the top skills and attitudes, two — adaptability and coping with uncertainty — were particularly emphasized based on their positive correlation with both work satisfaction and employment. The authors define adaptability as, “The ability to be open to changing the way of doing things even if it requires effort or learning new skills”.
Advancements in automation and artificial intelligence mean that the future world of work will be characterized by rapid change and uncertainty. The most effective human resource professionals will serve as role models for self-development within their organization, thereby promoting a culture that supports adaptability through continuous learning and skill-building. Individuals who who can remain effective and agile in the face of ambiguity — using digital fluency and mental flexibility to solve problems as they arise — will be rewarded with more employment opportunities and higher income. Savvy HR professionals will adapt nimbly to new ways of working, including the creation of new occupations and the demise of others. They will assume responsibility for their own digital fluency, while adding value beyond the constraints of artificial intelligence (Dondi, et al, 2021).
Change is the only constant. One’s ability to adapt to those changes will determine your success in life.” — Benjamin Franklin
My personal advice to human resource professionals is this: Now is the time to invest in yourself through strategic up-skilling for your own benefit, now and in the future. To identify possible gaps in your skillset, begin by asking the following questions:
How am I adding value beyond what can be done through automation and machine intelligence (e.g., applicant tracking systems)?
What soft skills, if improved, would help me achieve my goals?
How do I react to ambiguous situations in which there is no clear protocol?
When facing change, do I see a barrier or an opportunity?
How can I improve my proficiency in digital environments?
You can’t change the ocean or the weather no matter how hard you try so it’s best to learn how to sail in all conditions. — Anonymous
When the storms of life threaten you, resilience will be your lifesaver. Fortunately for everyone, adaptability and resilience are skills that can be developed over time. Lean into opportunities to practice them.
Here are 3 actionable steps you can take to build adaptability, a positive view on change, and resilience.
Read books about resilience. My current favorite authors on the topic include Eric Greitens, Admiral William McRaven, and Ryan Holiday.
Join a related professional association and share inspiration with other members. Keep each other up-to-date on industry-related trends.
Take a course in data analytics, data visualization, AI, or cloud computing. Resources like LinkedIn Learning and Coursera have made skills acquisition, from absolute beginner to advanced, accessible to nearly everyone. (Acquiring a new skill is also a major “confidence-builder”!)
By developing adaptability, digital fluency, and inner resiliency skills, the innovative solutions to external problems will follow. To borrow the words of a flight attendant: “In case of an emergency, put your oxygen mask on first before assisting others.” Inhale opportunities to grow. Exhale your enhanced perspective, giving life and breath to the solutions for tomorrow.
Resource: Dondi, M., Klier, J., Panier, F., and Schubert, Jörg (25 June 2021). Defining the skills citizens will need in the future world of work. Retrieved on 9/2/21 from https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/public-and-social-sector/our-insights/defining-the-skills-citizens-will-need-in-the-future-world-of-work
