10 skills you need to hire for in 2025

The Future of Jobs Report 2025 by the World Economic Forum is out.

And the skills employers need are shifting fast.

Analyzing data from 1,000+ employers across 55 economies,
the report reveals the skills that will define the next era of work.

Here’s what employers say they need most:

🔟 Service orientation – Can they create value in a changing world?
9️⃣ Talent management – Can they hire, develop, and retain top talent?
8️⃣ Curiosity & lifelong learning – Can they stay ahead of the curve?
7️⃣ Empathy & active listening – Can they build trust and collaboration?
6️⃣ Tech literacy – Can they work alongside AI instead of against it?
5️⃣ Motivation & self-awareness – Can they push through challenges?
4️⃣ Creative thinking – Can they innovate in uncertain times?
3️⃣ Leadership & influence – Can they inspire action and drive change?
2️⃣ Resilience & agility – Can they adapt to disruption?
1️⃣ Analytical thinking – Can they make sense of complexity?

Why this matters for hiring:

Employers aren’t just looking for qualifications anymore—
they’re looking for how people think, adapt, and lead.

What’s one skill on this list that’s underrated in your industry?

#skills #futureofwork #InformedDecisions

Picture source: WEF Future of Jobs Report 2025

59% of Employees Will Need Upskilling by 2030

The Future of Jobs Report 2025  by the @world economic forum highlights a critical shift

Upskilling isn’t just about learning more, it’s about learning the right skills.

Here’s the breakdown:

What does this mean for businesses?

The companies that get this right will stay ahead—not just by upskilling, but by upskilling for the right future.

#skills #futureofwork #informedecisions

picture source: WEF Future of Jobs Report 2025

The Enduring Importance of Cold Calling in Sales: Why It Still Matters in Today's Digital Age

In one of our recent surveys, we asked, "Is cold calling still an important skill to assess in sales interviews today?" A significant 53% of respondents answered "yes," and we couldn't agree more. Despite the rise of digital communication channels, cold calling remains a crucial skill for sales professionals. Here's why:

1. Cold Calling Boosts Response Rates

While email has become a primary means of business communication, cold calling still proves to be more effective in grabbing prospects' attention. According to a comprehensive analysis by Gong, which examined 300 million sales calls, cold calling nearly doubled email reply rates. This statistic alone demonstrates the power of a well-executed cold call in breaking through the noise of crowded inboxes.

2. It's Still a Primary Sales Generation Method

Despite the hype around social selling and inbound marketing, cold calling continues to be a major driver of sales. A recent survey by The Daily Sales found that 47% of respondents cited cold calling as their main method for generating sales. This shows that nearly half of sales professionals still rely on this traditional technique to fill their pipelines and close deals.

3. Develops Critical Sales Skills

Cold calling hones essential sales skills that are transferable to other aspects of the sales process:

These skills are valuable in all forms of sales interactions, whether in-person, over the phone, or via video conference.

4. Provides Immediate Feedback and Insights

Unlike email or social media outreach, cold calling provides instant feedback. Sales professionals can gauge interest, understand objections, and adjust their approach in real-time. This immediate interaction is invaluable for refining sales strategies and understanding customer needs.

5. Humanizes the Sales Process

In an increasingly digital world, the human touch provided by a phone call can set a salesperson apart. It allows for building rapport and establishing a personal connection that's often lacking in digital communications.

6. Reaches Decision-Makers More Effectively

Cold calling can be an effective way to bypass gatekeepers and reach decision-makers directly. A well-prepared cold caller can often secure a few minutes of a busy executive's time more easily than through other channels.

Addressing Common Objections to Cold Calling

We understand that some sales professionals may be hesitant about cold calling, given the prevalence of digital communication channels today. Common objections we often hear include:

"Who even talks on the phone anymore?" It's true that many people, especially younger demographics, prefer digital interactions over traditional phone calls. However, decision-makers across all industries still value the personal touch that a cold call can provide. Building that human connection can make all the difference in converting a prospect.

"Isn't cold calling rude or intrusive?" When done correctly, cold calling does not have to come across as rude or intrusive. The key is to be polite, empathetic and focused on providing value to the prospect. A well-researched, personalized approach can make the difference between an annoying interruption and a welcomed conversation.

By addressing these common objections head-on, you can demonstrate empathy for the sales professionals who may be hesitant about cold calling. Acknowledging their concerns and providing counterpoints will make your overall argument for the importance of this skill even stronger.

Conclusion

While the sales landscape continues to evolve with new technologies and communication channels, the data and our survey results clearly show that cold calling remains a vital skill in a salesperson's toolkit. Companies that continue to value and develop this skill in their sales teams are likely to see higher engagement rates, more opportunities, and ultimately, better sales results.

As we move forward in the digital age, the most successful sales professionals will be those who can effectively combine modern digital strategies with time-tested techniques like cold calling. It's not about choosing one over the other, but rather about leveraging all available tools to connect with prospects and close deals effectively.

#sales #skills #informedecisions

🌟 Siemens' Innovative Skills-Based Approach to Learning

Siemens' "My Skills" platform is revolutionizing corporate learning by emphasizing a skills-based approach. This strategy aligns with the digital age's demands, preparing the workforce for today's challenges and future innovations. It highlights the importance of continuous, personalized learning, making it a beacon of innovation in professional development.

🔍 Why It's Game-Changing

🌐 The Bigger Picture

Siemens' commitment to skills-based learning is not just about internal growth but sets a precedent for the future of work. It demonstrates how integrating technology with a focus on skills development can drive organizational success and competitiveness.

🔗 Want to get started with the skills-based approach? Check out our checklist

#Skills #FutureOfWork #informedecisions

20 Strategies For Navigating Effective Succession Planning

Excited to share my contribution to "20 Strategies For Navigating Effective Succession Planning" with Forbes HR Council members. We explore essential succession planning strategies, focusing on a skills-based approach for robust organizational growth.

Understanding and implementing these strategies is key to future-proofing our teams. I look forward to your thoughts and insights.

Read here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbeshumanresourcescouncil/2024/02/02/20-strategies-for-navigating-eff...

#SuccessionPlanning #skills #informedecisions

SIX KEY STRATEGIES FOR CRAFTING AN EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP PIPELINE: INSIGHTS FROM FORBES

A recent Forbes article titled "Developing A Leadership Pipeline: Plan Ahead Or Get Left Behind" outlines six effective strategies for creating a sustainable talent pipeline:

  1. Identify High-Potential Employees (HiPos): Recognize employees with strong work ethics and dedication to the organization's mission. Their potential for leadership roles is significant.
  2. Provide In-Depth Coaching: Regular, focused coaching sessions are essential. David B. Peterson, former executive at Google, emphasizes the importance of dedicating time for skill development aligned with future roles.
  3. Create Progressive Growth Opportunities: Particularly for younger employees, offer frequent feedback and promotion opportunities. For example, Ladders, Inc. revamped its promotion structure to offer more frequent advancements.
  4. Develop a Strong Succession Plan: Like Procter & Gamble, have ready replacements for key leadership roles to ensure continuity.
  5. Rotate Employees Through Diverse Roles: Expose HiPos to different departments and challenges, enhancing their skills and perspectives.
  6. Emphasize Inclusivity: A leadership pipeline should mirror the organization's diversity, offering equal opportunities for all, particularly those who have been historically marginalized.

These strategies not only foster a robust leadership pipeline but also position organizations as industry leaders in talent development and promotion from within.

See the link to the article in the 1st comment.

#skills #successionplanning #informdecisions