Future success in a changing world

The ingredients for succeeding in the workplace of tomorrow are those characteristics that will help us function in a rapidly changing environment, where relationships will be the most valuable resource.

We would therefore do well to familiarise ourselves with some of the most highly regarded characteristics for future success:

A passion for learning

Except for the fact that continuous changes in the work environment will require people to continuously develop new skills or enhance and adapt their old ones, the mere fact of the explosion of knowledge also requires hard work and dedication from individuals who want to be in demand.

The individual of the future will need to gain insights from experiences and trends and develop visionary abilities. And except for having a passion for her/his own learning, the individual of the future also needs to have a passion for the growth and development of the team. Future individuals need to communicate their insights, ideas and visions to their teams or networks in order to reap maximum benefits from continuous learning.
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Confidence

Knowledgeable, confident workers are essential for the lean and meaningful company of the future. The individual of the future needs to be self-reliant. This does not refer to individualism versus interdependence amongst team members, but to an inner security that springs from the individual's mastery of him/herself. Individuals need to know themselves, their strengths, weaknesses and goals.

Motivation

A high degree of internal motivation improves one's chances of thriving in the new world of work. Specific traits associated with motivation, are tenacity, self-discipline, focus and energy. One's motivation should also provide the drive and momentum necessary to pull others along as well. In an uncertain environment with continuous challenges, the self-discipline to endure will be imperative.

A passion for change

In order to excel in the future world of work, we need to be passionate about change. It is not about being able to cope with change; it is about embracing and creating change. The reshuffling of jobs will create a new business culture in which most people, as well as having more than one career, will have been retrenched at least once, can expect this to happen again, and are likely to behave as if their current jobs are fleeting.

In order to thrive in this environment one needs to be flexible and adaptable. One also needs to know where to source security from, as it is no longer going to come from one's job.

Kindness / Compassion

An interesting attribute necessary for functioning in the workplace of the future, is kindness. In a world where business and work will depend more and more on relationships and the way one manages those relationships, one begins to understand the value of these "softer" attributes.

Seeking the best interest of the other party and going out of one's way to serve, are all connected to the concept of kindness. These acts of kindness or love are seen as major investments in future relationships.

Integrity

Integrity, authenticity, honesty and consistency are all crucial for managing networks and relationships. Once a person's integrity is in doubt, it will be almost impossible to do business within one's existing network again.

In an economy based on relationships and networks, this will be economical suicide. Integrity means that people know where they stand with a particular individual. It means that one is consistent in what one promises and delivers. It also refers to being reliable and trustworthy. All these things are crucial for making any relationship work.

Competitive Edge 'Aint "Degreeable"

What exactly we study doesn't matter nearly as much as who we are - or who we will be in the future. As an academic I'm not against completing tertiary studies, but they are not enough. Degrees won't give us the competitive edge - ability to engage in good relationships within an uncertain world will.