Be in the know

June 16, 2023 - Be in the Know

Before going any further, here’s how the term “power skills” came about.  

 In its 2022 report on workplace learning trends, it was Udemy Business that coined the term “power skills” to describe the characteristics formerly known as “soft skills” (behavioural and social competencies) and elevated them to the status of essential competencies for success at all levels of an organisation.   

And are these power skills really that important? 

“In the 80s, a technical skill was considered valid for 30 years, but today it is only valid for 12 to 18 months, or even 3 if it is directly linked to digital technology,” explains Nicolas Liénart. “In such a volatile socio-economic context, the organisation that will come out on top is the one that relies on the power skills of its team and knows not only how to adapt and project itself into the future, but also how to link the motivations of its talents to the business needs of tomorrow.”  

So it’s impossible to miss out on your employees’ superpowers! So how do we assess the power skills of the candidates at La tête chercheuse?  

“Our methodology is based on competencies linked to the uniqueness of the candidate. During our interviews, we spend a lot of time questioning the key behaviours that demonstrate that the famous power skills are lived out on a daily basis, with the aim of creating a perfect fit with the organisation, the role, the manager and the team. This method has been tried and tested for 25 years at La tête chercheuse, and it’s as relevant as ever,” explains Nicolas Liénart. 

What method does La tête chercheuse use to validate these superpowers?     

“Our unique tool, the Dépisteur, is based on a grid of criteria that enable us to understand what lies behind the résumé. During a one-hour interview, using a series of cross-referenced questions to cover both the personal and professional aspects of the candidate’s life, we are able to confidently validate their answers and get a clear picture of their profile and the superpowers that are essential to the success of any business!” 

What are the key super skills companies are looking for in 2023?  
Here’s our Top 10:  

1 – Digital Literacy  

These skills are linked to the ability to use devices, software and applications safely and with confidence, and therefore to navigate well in this digital world.  

2 – Data Literacy  

Data is now one of the most important and valuable assets, so organisations will increasingly be looking for people who can harness data and use it effectively.  

3 – Critical Thinking  

In an age of fake news, social media and the incessant sharing of information, critical thinking is one of the most sought-after skills. Thinking critically means analysing issues and situations on the basis of scientific studies and evidence, avoiding personal opinions and prejudices at all costs.  

4 – Emotional Intelligence    

The concept was developed in 1990 by psychologists Peter Salovey and John D. Mayer. It focuses on the human capacity to perceive and manage emotions in order to better adapt to an environment.  

5 – Creativity  

At a time when ChatGPT is the topic of the day and routine tasks are increasingly being handed over to machines, creative thinking will be all the more in demand. Creative thinking is about solving problems and thinking outside the box to come up with new ideas, while knowing how to implement them to drive the business forward.  

6 – Collaboration  

The nature of collaboration and teamwork has changed since the pandemic, but it remains essential to the success of the organisation.  

7 – Flexibility  

In a world of work where there is a constant need to adapt to new technologies, increasing automation, a quickening pace of work and vast commercial disruptions, you have to be flexible. 

8 – Leadership Skills  

Good leadership is about getting the best out of people and making sure they can flourish, and that’s not just for managers.   

9 – Time Management  

The ability to manage time effectively is essential to the quality of job performance, whether you’re teleworking or in the office.  

 10 – Curiosity and Continuous Learning  

The flexibility referred to above stems from curiosity and lifelong learning, both of which allow you to grow in the workplace and keep your skills up to date to cope with the major changes that are happening and will continue to happen.