PowerSkills In Action: A Conversation With Mursion About Leadership, Practice, Culture, Avatars, And More.
Nov 24, 2021
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In today's dynamic work environment, upskilling and emotional intelligence are crucial. Experiential learning is emphasized as the key to developing 'power skills.' A cultural shift is needed to embrace inclusivity and diversity. Virtual reality shows promise in fostering empathy but raises ethical concerns. The importance of ethics in leadership is highlighted, especially regarding data use. Lastly, understanding generational preferences in training can enhance engagement in developing these essential skills.
Developing essential PowerSkills necessitates experiential learning through ongoing practice and real-world application rather than relying solely on traditional training methods.
Fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace culture is crucial, as it promotes trust and psychological safety, enhancing employee engagement and organizational performance.
Deep dives
The Urgency of Upskilling and Reskilling
The current business landscape necessitates a reevaluation of skills required by companies to remain competitive. Many industries face disruption, requiring new technical and professional skills that were not necessary five years ago, such as alternative energy in oil companies or 5G technologies in telecommunications. Concurrently, there is a growing recognition of the importance of soft skills, previously regarded as less critical, which are crucial for fostering effective workplace relationships and driving employee engagement. The pandemic has amplified these challenges, highlighting the need for companies to address both hard and soft skills development comprehensively.
Learning Beyond Traditional Approaches
Organizations often adopt a simplistic view of skill development, relying heavily on static training programs like short courses which do not effectively cultivate leadership. Companies that have matured in their organizational learning understand that power skills require ongoing practice and cannot be mastered through brief educational experiences. True learning occurs over time through real-world application and continual refinement, similar to the gradual learning process of parenting. Emphasizing experiential learning approaches that integrate practice into day-to-day operations proves essential for developing leadership qualities and team dynamics.
The Role of Practice and Psychological Safety
Active practice and repetition are critical for mastering power skills, with research affirming that experiential learning significantly enhances retention and application of knowledge. Creating a psychologically safe environment facilitates this learning process, allowing individuals to practice skills without fear of judgment or failure. When employees feel secure, they are more likely to engage in simulations and learning experiences that build essential soft skills. Such immersion enhances self-awareness and interpersonal effectiveness, leading to more effective workplace interactions and improved organizational culture.
Cultural Change and Diversity in the Workplace
The recent focus on cultural change in organizations emphasizes the need for diverse, inclusive environments where employees feel they belong. Merely increasing diversity through hiring practices is insufficient; true inclusion requires fostering trust and psychological safety within the workplace. The pandemic has accelerated conversations around these issues, showcasing that a supportive culture directly contributes to company performance. As companies embrace individuality among employees, they can better align their practices with the evolving expectations of a diverse workforce.
How do you develop these essential PowerSkills in business? As I describe in this podcast, there are four methods: traditional instructor-led training, 360-degree assessment and coaching, simulation and real-world experiences, and suggestions and nudges....
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