As the world is rapidly moving towards a digital society, more businesses and organisations are implementing technology in their day-to-day activities. Statistics from the Australian Industry Group reveal that 84% of business leaders are currently adopting new technology into their operations.
Many companies have also been adopting artificial intelligence. A recent report from the CSIRO shows that as many as 68% of Australian businesses have already implemented AI technology in a facet of their operations.
Despite the increasing implementation of technology across various sectors, ‘old school’ business skills still have a strong relevance in today’s workplaces. Although computers and AI can help streamline administrative tasks, they can’t completely replace a human’s touch.
This article will delve into 6 business skills that are still critical for workplace success. The first skill we’ll be exploring is face-to-face communication, which many professionals still choose to pursue a Masters of Business Administration to learn effectively.
1. Face-to-face communication
This skill refers to a person’s ability to communicate effectively in person. In today’s connected world, it is more important than ever to be able to communicate face-to-face, whether you’re in a leadership position, management, or liaising with clients.
Strong face-to-face communication skills are an important part of developing strong interpersonal relationships at work. It also plays a key role in building trust, forging stronger bonds, and successful work outcomes.
Face-to-face communication skills describe more than just the ability to speak to someone directly in the office. The term encompasses everything from the ability to control your tone, voice inflection, emotion, and body language when you’re communicating with someone.
Statistics show that 95% of professionals believe that face-to-face meetings are essential for building successful long-term business relationships. While technology has increased the ways we can communicate, being able to effectively communicate in person is invaluable in the workplace.
2. Negotiation skills
Negotiation refers to a set of skills that can help you communicate more effectively in the workplace, solve problems, and find mutually beneficial solutions. Negotiation skills include:
- Effective communication
- Actively listening
- Problem-solving
- A willingness to compromise
In the workplace, the ability to effectively negotiate is crucial in almost every facet. In particular, these skills are essential for conflict resolution. Although everybody wants to avoid it, conflict will always occur in the workplace.
Strong negotiation skills can help you not only solve any conflict efficiently but also assure all parties feel like the issue has been resolved. Negotiation skills can also help transform these conflicts into opportunities to build stronger relationships and find win-win situations.
If you haven’t already mastered the ‘old school’ skill of negotiation, that’s okay. It’s a skill set that can be learned and developed over time. If you’re looking to build your negotiation skills, we recommend attending professional development classes and workshops.
When it comes to applying negotiation skills in the workplace, statistics report that a vast majority of successful negotiators use a cooperative approach. This is a strategy that works by finding common grounds and interests between conflicting parties so they can collaborate and work towards a mutually beneficial outcome.
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3. Critical thinking & problem-solving
Critical thinking and problem-solving are old-school business skills that have stood the test of time. They are skills that are also now being carried over into the digital world and, if honed, can help you advance your career.
Critical thinking enables employees to consider multiple perspectives and factor in the potential outcomes of their choices. This can lead to better decision-making, which results in better choices that are more likely to succeed.
Individuals who have strong critical thinking skills are more likely to succeed in the workplace. This is because they can evaluate information, data, and facts to make informed decisions.
The ability to identify and solve problems is valuable in every workplace. Whether you’re working in health care or you’re starting a career in tech. Statistics show that more than 60% of employers look for evidence of problem-solving when evaluating candidates.
Problem-solving and critical thinking often go hand-in-hand. Many problem-solvers tend to be good decision-makers. This is because they can process information efficiently and think outside of the box when it comes to solutions.
Strong problem-solving skills are also directly linked to creativity and innovation. Problem-solving isn’t only just for recognising and solving future issues. The skill can also be applied to identify any current problem areas and develop innovative solutions for them.
4. Professional etiquette & relationship building
Professional etiquette and the skill to build strong professional relationships in the workplace also link with previously mentioned skills—negotiation and face-to-face communication. These skills are important for fostering strong relationships and a positive work environment.
Practising professional etiquette in the workplace demonstrates respect and trust towards your colleagues. In organisations where teamwork and collaboration are crucial, following etiquette is critical for professionalism and mutual understanding.
According to research, clear, respectful, and professional communication can significantly boost productivity and reduce workplace conflicts. Data also shows that healthy work environments have a positive impact on employee well-being.
Relationship building is an important business skill in almost every facet of business. Whether you’re meeting with clients and trying to foster a sense of trust or you work in healthcare building rapport with patients.
The skill also plays an important role in networking, whether you’re looking to just get your foot in the door or advance your career. Statistics have shown that in Australia, networking is vital for career success, with a significant portion of job openings filled through referrals.
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5. Time management & prioritisation
Effective time management and the ability to prioritise tasks are crucial old-school business skills that are applicable in every industry. Time management skills play a direct role in increased productivity, profitability, and growth.
Statistics have also linked strong time management skills to reduced stress at work, improved focus on tasks, and better decision-making. Whether you’re a business owner or just an employee, time management is an essential skill at every level of an organisation.
The ability to prioritise tasks is also linked to time management and decision-making ability. If you want to excel in your workplace, learning the business skills to prioritise tasks based on importance and urgency is essential.
Ben Schwencke, a professional consultant, has said that “employees with better prioritisation skills will be better equipped to make strategic decisions”. Prioritisation skills are especially important in jobs with strict deadlines.
6. Resilience & adaptability
Being resilient and adaptable in the workplace is crucial for personal and professional success. You never know when an unexpected crisis, conflict, or adverse event will happen in the workplace, but you can be properly prepared.
Resilience refers to a person’s ability to bounce back from adversity and stressful events. Not only is the skill important in the workplace, but it’s also essential for positive mental health outcomes, which can affect productivity and success.
Adaptability is connected to resilience and is the ability to adjust and change in response to an adverse or stressful situation. For example, if you were to lose a client, you’d get back up on your feet and brainstorm solutions to get them back or find a replacement.
HERO IMAGE: Unsplash
This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with Web Oracle
