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We are currently witnessing a remarkable transformation driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and automation. While these advancements promise to enhance efficiency and speed, business owners must recognise the enduring importance of soft skills in their teams for long-term success and competitiveness.

The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report highlights the disruption of skills we will see in the coming years, pinpointing critical competencies for future success:

• Analytical thinking
• Creative thinking
• Resilience, flexibility, and agility
• Motivation and self-awareness
• Curiosity and lifelong learning

These skills are universally applicable, highlighting the need for adaptability across all sectors.

Essential skills for teams in small businesses

Resilience

As AI takes over routine tasks, employees need to redefine and adapt their roles to stay valuable. For small businesses, having resilient team members is crucial. They must navigate challenges, upskill in new areas, and effectively leverage AI technology to maintain relevance and drive business success.

Lifelong learning

With rapid technological changes, continuous learning becomes vital. Teams in small businesses should embrace a growth mindset, eagerly acquiring new skills to stay ahead. Lifelong learning isn’t just about meeting professional development requirements; it’s about adopting the latest technologies to enhance business operations.

Ethical decision-making

Even with AI-generated insights, ethical decision-making remains essential. Employees must weigh the broader impacts of their decisions, balancing legal allowances with ethical considerations. This skill ensures that business decisions are not only compliant but also fair and equitable.

Collaboration skills

Employees today are expected to be strategic partners, offering insights to drive business success. In small businesses, this means working closely with various teams and stakeholders. Collaboration skills, including effective communication and emotional intelligence, are crucial for turning data into actionable insights and fostering strategic partnerships.

Business acumen

AI-driven insights are only valuable if they’re applied with an understanding of the business context. Employees must grasp industry dynamics and strategic goals to provide meaningful advice. Cultivating curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities is essential for developing business acumen.

Our thoughts

For business owners, the integration of AI and automation presents a tremendous opportunity. However, the real value lies in the human touch that complements these technologies. 

By placing emphasis on the development of soft skills such as resilience, lifelong learning, ethical decision-making, collaboration, and business acumen, teams can thrive alongside AI, ensuring your business not only survives but thrives in the evolving landscape. 

Our advice – make sure your team is equipped for the future by fostering an environment that values these competencies.