Do You Have the Right People on the Bus (and in the Right Seats)?
As I refresh materials for my upcoming workshop series, this question keeps surfacing:
What does having the “right people” really mean now?
In today’s environment—where roles evolve quickly and expectations shift constantly—technical skills alone aren’t enough. Here are five capabilities I believe should be non-negotiable for your future-ready team:
Curiosity and a Learning Mindset
The world isn’t static, and neither are the challenges we face. You need people who question assumptions, explore “why,” and experiment with new ways to solve problems—because it’s likely no one will be handing them a playbook.Clear, Concise Communication
Whether someone is in a customer-facing role or behind the scenes, communication gaps slow us down. Clear ideas and respectful conversations accelerate progress and reduce misunderstandings.A Global Mindset
You don’t have to work for a multinational to be impacted by global events. Your team should be aware of how external trends and different perspectives shape the environment they operate in.Critical Thinking
In an era of sound bites and clickbait, the ability to pause, research, and thoughtfully evaluate before reacting is a superpower.Technology Acumen
You don’t need everyone to be a tech wizard, but basic literacy is non-negotiable. Whether it’s understanding cyber risk or how AI might reshape a role—staying informed is essential.
Earlier this week, a discussion reminded me how often hiring bias tilts toward deep technical expertise—at the cost of professional skills like collaboration and adaptability. I always advise leaders to define 3–5 success criteria for a role, making sure at least half of those reflect behaviors and mindset, not just experience.
So I’ll leave you with this:
👉 What are the most important capabilities you need on your team to succeed in 2025?
👉 And—do you have them today?
If not, it might be time to have the conversation that sets you up for a stronger future.
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