How will work be different in the next decade? What skills will be required to succeed?

The relentless drive toward increased productivity, lower production costs, electronic intelligence, and computerized business solutions are affecting every job and industry. 

People can’t compete with electronic solutions in achieving productivity objectives. Offshoring and downsizing are just temporary steps on the way to massive global change, say authorities.

So what can you do? One possibility is to change your mindset, and prepare for and create jobs requiring mental and social interaction skills that can’t be easily automated. Skills for tomorrow, called “hyper-human,” "meta", or "ultra" skills, include  research, critical thinking, problem solving, intuition, relationship building, and leadership.  Consider the following:

 -- Develop critical thinking skills. Obtain needed background and supportive information. Ask questions, identify problems and solutions; interpret according to a framework relating theory to practice; support a claim using evidence, link ideas, compare and contrast, 

To practice critical reading, for example, ask yourself: What are the main points? Can I put this into my own words? What other examples can I provide? Is a bias apparent? Could a different conclusion be drawn? Are ideas supported by evidence? Do I agree or disagree with the author? What are some implications of the text?

-- Trust and value intuition. Intend to develop it. Set aside time for quiet contemplation daily. Relax and calm the mind through such techniques as meditation. Attend to both internal and environmental cues. Release negative thoughts and feelings. 

Practice intuitive problem solving skills such as asking dreams for guidance, doodling, and journaling.  

-- Enhance problem-solving skills. Define the problem and get all the needed information. Use both intellect and intuition. Describe the problem causes in terms of what, where, when, how, with whom, and why. Brainstorm alternative solutions without restrictions or judgment; encourage ideas to flow.  

Consider the risk and benefits of each alternative. Narrow options using both cognitive and intuitive strategies. Implement the best problem resolution alternative using Identify resources, timeline, and responsibilities needed to implement problem resolution. but continue to be open to new ideas. Identify resources, timeline, and responsibilities needed to implement problem resolution. 

-- Strengthen creativity. Approach the problem from a different vantage point. Listen, without judgment, to others’ ideas or suggestions. Ask for feedback from people with different backgrounds. Avoid negativity. View your work from different perspectives. What would happen if you shrink, enlarge, or change its shape? 

- Broaden experience. Surround yourself with diverse stimuli. Expose yourself to information outside your specialty.   

- Engage all senses. For example, talk, sing, listen, and engage in physical activities. Become aware of colors, space, and aromas. Note the relationship of each part to a whole situation. 

- Change routines and perspective. Eat breakfast earlier or later than usual; take a different route to work. Shift the phone to your opposite ear. View situations in reverse. Associate unrelated things. 

-- Seek psychologically safe environments. These settings respect the individual, nurture inquisitiveness and playfulness, allow privacy, and avoid criticism and stress. They encourage risk-taking and innovative ways of accomplishing objectives. 

Technology is enabling us to enjoy history’s highest standard of living. To benefit from the perks electronic systems provide and maintain employability, use the power or your mind. 

Learn more in the book found above.