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PowerSkills The Essential Abilities for Organisation Success in the Modern Workplace

Writer's picture: Emma JordaanEmma Jordaan

So what are Power Skills?

Power skills are the critical abilities that individuals need to thrive in the modern workplace. These skills go beyond technical expertise or knowledge of a specific field, and instead focus on the personal attributes and abilities that enable individuals to navigate the rapidly changing job market. Josh Bersin outlines in his HR Predictions for 2023 that "Every company will get serious and pragmatic about skills".


But why is it so important?

By developing these skills, employees perform at their best, work effectively together, and meet the demands of a rapidly changing business environment. By investing in the development of power skills, organisations can create a competitive advantage and achieve long-term success.

Recently, Pearson’s Skills Outlook analysis featured by Forbes highlighted the top five most sought-after power skills by employers for today are: Communication, Customer Service, Leadership, Attention to Detail, and Collaboration. These skills are vital for success in any industry and are highly valued by employers across the board.

Let us delve deeper into each of these power skills to gain a better understanding of their significance in the contemporary work landscape


  1. Communication is the cornerstone of any successful workplace, and effective communication skills are essential for building relationships, managing conflict, and achieving goals. Employees need to be able to communicate clearly, listen actively, and convey complex information in a concise and understandable manner.

  2. Customer Service is another critical power skill that employers are seeking. In today's competitive market, excellent customer service is essential for building brand loyalty and maintaining a positive reputation. Employees who can provide exceptional customer service, anticipate the needs of customers, and go above and beyond to meet their expectations are highly valued by employers.

  3. Leadership is also a key power skill that is in high demand. Employers are looking for employees who can lead teams, inspire others, and drive results. A strong leader is someone who can communicate a vision, build trust, and create a culture of collaboration and innovation.

  4. Attention to Detail is a power skill that may seem small, but it can make a big impact in the workplace. Employers are looking for employees who have a strong attention to detail, are meticulous, and have a keen eye for quality. Attention to detail is essential for ensuring accuracy and consistency, which is critical in many industries.

  5. Collaboration is the final power skill that is highly valued by employers. Collaboration is essential for achieving shared goals, solving complex problems, and driving innovation. Employers are seeking employees who can work effectively in a team environment, communicate openly, and bring diverse perspectives to the table.


Pearson’s analysis goes on to explain that the most in-demand power skills by 2026 will be Collaboration, Customer Focus, Personal Learning & Mastery, Achievement Focus, and Cultural & Social Intelligence.

The fast pace of technological advancements has brought about significant changes in the job market. As a result, organisations are moving away from the traditional competency based models where job profiles were based on a specific set of skills and abilities. Instead, we are now witnessing a shift towards a more dynamic and agile work environment that requires employees to have a much wider range of skills. This shift has led to the emergence of "tens to hundreds of thousands of skills" says Bersin that employees need to possess in order to succeed in their roles. Therefore, organisations must prioritise the development of these critical power skills that equip their employees with the adaptability and versatility required to thrive in the modern work landscape.

Organisations that prioritise the development of these critical power skills can develop a highly skilled and agile workforce that can successfully navigate the constantly changing job market and achieve long-term success.

For instance,


  • Employees with strong collaboration skills can work effectively in teams, leading to increased productivity and innovation.

  • Employees with excellent customer focus can build strong relationships with customers, leading to higher customer retention rates and increased revenue.

  • Employees with strong personal learning & mastery skills can adapt to new technologies and work processes more easily, ensuring the organisation stays ahead of the curve.

  • Employees with strong achievement focus can prioritise tasks and achieve goals efficiently, leading to increased job satisfaction and performance.

  • Employees with strong cultural and social intelligence can collaborate effectively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, leading to a more inclusive and supportive workplace culture.


By investing in the development of these critical power skills, organisations can enhance employee performance, customer service, and employee development, leading to greater innovation, productivity, and quality of work. In addition, it can create a culture of continuous learning and growth, which benefits both the individual and the organisation. Organisations can equip their employees with the abilities and attributes they need to thrive in the contemporary work landscape and achieve long-term success.

At Infinite Consulting, we offer tailored training programs designed to help your employees develop and master the critical abilities they need to drive your organisation forward. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you build a highly skilled and engaged workforce!



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