Skills That Matter Now – And What You Can Let Go
Tue Feb 03 2026
You’re constantly told your team needs to “upskill” – but what does that actually mean today? In a world where AI, automation, and information overload are the norm, it’s time to rethink what skills are essential, so you strike the right balance between deep expertise and broad, transferable capabilities like collaboration, attention management, and embracing diversity.
https://swiy.co/go-skills-that-matter-now
As a leader, how are you developing the skills you and your team need to be ready for the future?
I was approached recently to be a guest on a business podcast, and the host asked me to talk about building a future-ready workforce. One of her questions will be:
“What skills are essential for the future, and which ones do we not need anymore?”
I always think most skills have value in specific circumstances and certain situations, but some are lower priority now.
For example, “doing maths in your head” and “learning times tables” used to be highly valuable skills, but they aren’t anymore – because we all have access to calculators, Google, spreadsheets, and AI.
One friend argued that as a skilled business negotiator, he still valued doing mental maths because he was perceived as more competent. Fair enough – for THAT particular narrow role, times tables and mental maths are important. But we don’t need to teach them to everybody.
And that’s the point. Every job, profession, role, and area of expertise has its own need for “deep expertise”.
I mean, if you need brain surgery, would you rather have the crotchety old surgeon who’s very successful with decades of experience behind them, or the less-skilled surgeon who’s a great “people person” who gets along well with the rest of their team?
Of course, you’d rather have the first one, right?
Well, that’s a bit of a trick question!
The research shows that deep expertise is important (naturally!), but medical mishaps and mistakes are reduced when the whole operating team gets along well. And that starts with the surgeon engaging the rest of her team.
The same is true of airline safety. Again, research shows that when pilots treat co-pilots as equals, it reduces the incidence of problems.
So, even with deep expertise, you need wide skills. These wide, broad skills apply across different areas, jobs, and professions.
I’m sure you know some of the usual suspects: collaboration, embracing diversity, AI literacy, managing information overload, and adaptability.
These skills MATTER!
For yourself.
For your team.
And for your organisation, community, and family.
For more, download my new report about future-ready skills for 2026 and beyond. I have identified twelve key skills for you to be future-ready.
If you have any comments or questions after you read it, please drop me a line. I’d love to have a chat!
Download the worksheet:
https://swiy.co/go-skills-that-matter-now
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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You’re constantly told your team needs to “upskill” – but what does that actually mean today? In a world where AI, automation, and information overload are the norm, it’s time to rethink what skills are essential, so you strike the right balance between deep expertise and broad, transferable capabilities like collaboration, attention management, and embracing diversity. https://swiy.co/go-skills-that-matter-now As a leader, how are you developing the skills you and your team need to be ready for the future? I was approached recently to be a guest on a business podcast, and the host asked me to talk about building a future-ready workforce. One of her questions will be: “What skills are essential for the future, and which ones do we not need anymore?” I always think most skills have value in specific circumstances and certain situations, but some are lower priority now. For example, “doing maths in your head” and “learning times tables” used to be highly valuable skills, but they aren’t anymore – because we all have access to calculators, Google, spreadsheets, and AI. One friend argued that as a skilled business negotiator, he still valued doing mental maths because he was perceived as more competent. Fair enough – for THAT particular narrow role, times tables and mental maths are important. But we don’t need to teach them to everybody. And that’s the point. Every job, profession, role, and area of expertise has its own need for “deep expertise”. I mean, if you need brain surgery, would you rather have the crotchety old surgeon who’s very successful with decades of experience behind them, or the less-skilled surgeon who’s a great “people person” who gets along well with the rest of their team? Of course, you’d rather have the first one, right? Well, that’s a bit of a trick question! The research shows that deep expertise is important (naturally!), but medical mishaps and mistakes are reduced when the whole operating team gets along well. And that starts with the surgeon engaging the rest of her team. The same is true of airline safety. Again, research shows that when pilots treat co-pilots as equals, it reduces the incidence of problems. So, even with deep expertise, you need wide skills. These wide, broad skills apply across different areas, jobs, and professions. I’m sure you know some of the usual suspects: collaboration, embracing diversity, AI literacy, managing information overload, and adaptability. These skills MATTER! For yourself. For your team. And for your organisation, community, and family. For more, download my new report about future-ready skills for 2026 and beyond. I have identified twelve key skills for you to be future-ready. If you have any comments or questions after you read it, please drop me a line. I’d love to have a chat! Download the worksheet: https://swiy.co/go-skills-that-matter-now Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.