In today’s ever-evolving workplace, the need to adapt and grow is more critical than ever. With the rapid pace of technological advancements, fluctuating markets, and increasingly complex work environments, fostering skillset development is no longer a luxury but a necessity. This blog explores the insights shared by Roy Ben Yehuda, CEO of Next Arrow, on the “People Managing People” podcast, where he delves into how courage and structured frameworks can shape the skills of the future.
The Role of Courage in Personal and Professional Growth
Roy emphasizes the importance of courage as a bridge between knowledge and action.
For Yourself: Courage involves self-reflection—examining your habits and tendencies that might hinder your progress. Whether it’s saying yes too often, multitasking excessively, or poor sleep habits, identifying and addressing these barriers is the first step towards growth.
For Interactions with Others: Courage is equally vital in setting boundaries. Whether it’s articulating priorities to a boss, collaborating effectively with colleagues, or mentoring direct reports, boundaries ensure clarity and mutual respect.
Roy highlights that setting boundaries isn’t merely about saying “no” but involves nuanced communication—like re-aligning priorities or collaborating to find mutually beneficial solutions.
Designing the Skills of the Future Framework
Next Arrow’s program, “Skills of the Future,” is built on five core competencies:
- Creative and Critical Thinking
- Giving and Receiving Feedback
- Practical Productivity
- Influence in Action
- Courageous Presentations
The framework is inspired by the World Economic Forum’s “Future of Jobs Report,” which identifies key soft skills like collaboration, resilience, and feedback as essential for thriving in a modern work environment.
Practical Productivity: A Balanced Approach
Productivity is often misunderstood as doing more, but Roy suggests a more sustainable approach:
- Managing Time: Prioritize tasks effectively.
- Managing Attention: Focus deeply on tasks without unnecessary distractions.
- Managing Energy: Understand your personal energy peaks and troughs to work more efficiently.
Courage plays a critical role in this context. For example, it takes courage to set boundaries, articulate priorities, or delegate tasks effectively. A practical strategy is the “priority check,” where you engage your manager in deciding what task should take precedence.
Influence in Action: Building Ethical and Sustainable Relationships
Influence is a cornerstone of effective management, but traditional methods often rely on manipulative tactics. Instead, Next Arrow advocates for an approach grounded in respect and mutual understanding:
- Attentive Curiosity: Engage deeply with others, understanding their motivations and interests.
- Balanced Reciprocity: Foster relationships based on mutual respect rather than exploitation.
Delivering and Receiving Feedback
Feedback is another critical component of skill development. Roy emphasizes the importance of cultivating a growth mindset when giving and receiving feedback. Key strategies include:
- Inviting Collaboration: Reduce surprise and create an open environment for discussion.
- Separating Facts from Fluff: Focus on actionable insights rather than vague observations.
- Tailoring Feedback: Frame feedback in ways that resonate with the individual’s motivations.
- Self-Assessment: Reflect on how feedback was delivered and received to foster continuous improvement.
Overcoming Challenges in Modern Work Environments
Managers today face the dual challenge of fostering individual growth while driving performance. Creating a psychologically safe environment where employees can express their concerns without fear is paramount. Roy’s upcoming workshops focus on teaching resilience and managing conflict effectively, enabling teams to thrive in complexity.
Final Thoughts
Skillset development in today’s work environment requires a blend of structured frameworks and personal courage. By addressing internal habits, setting boundaries, fostering ethical influence, and delivering actionable feedback, individuals and teams can build the competencies needed to navigate an ever-changing world.
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