The future of work isn’t in tech skills, says recruiter—what successful workers will need instead | CNBC Make It
Soft Skills Are the Secret Sauce of Tomorrow’s Workforce
In the fast-paced world of work, one thing is sure: the skills that make you stand out today might not hold the same weight tomorrow. Just ask Terry Petzold, a recruitment veteran with 25 years of experience and managing partner at Fox Search Group, a firm specializing in finding top tech leaders. Petzold has seen trends come and go, especially with rapid advancements like artificial intelligence. A few years ago, coding was all the rage; now, tools like ChatGPT have reshaped the game. While digital expertise remains crucial, Petzold emphasizes soft skills, particularly emotional intelligence (EQ), that companies are banking on for the future.
Emotional intelligence, or EQ, is all about understanding and managing emotions—yours and others. This often-overlooked skill turns technical expertise into true workplace impact. According to Petzold, EQ helps workers build relationships, navigate challenges, and lead effectively. Sure, it’s great to specialize in areas like data or security, but the leaders of tomorrow will be those who combine technical know-how with EQ superpowers.
What makes EQ so valuable? Petzold highlights key traits employers are hunting for: the ability to handle and give feedback gracefully, resolve conflicts, and lead tough conversations with urgency. Workers with strong EQ can also persuade peers, collaborate across teams, and present ideas effectively to higher-ups. Companies recognize the value of these “soft” skills—they don’t just want problem solvers; they want team players who can inspire, adapt, and communicate like pros.
Businesses are beginning to embrace this shift by offering mentorship programs and networking opportunities, allowing employees to learn from seasoned leaders with high EQ. The takeaway? Mastering your emotions and building stronger connections may be your ticket to career success. As Petzold puts it, it’s these skills that leave workers “unscathed” as they push through challenges in an ever-changing job market………[read more]
Rising Dough
How do businesses balance the demand for technical expertise with the rising importance of emotional intelligence when selecting and developing their workforce?
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