How Power Skills Impact Organizational Goals
In today’s workplace, power skills are no longer seen as supplementary; they are essential for professional growth and organizational success. These non-technical abilities, such as empathy, negotiation, and effective communication, help people make better decisions, resolve problems more effectively, and build strong relationships with their teams and peers. According to Koma Gandy, the VP of leadership and business portfolio at Skillsoft, power skills are the “secret sauce” that can make or break a team’s effectiveness and a leader’s ability to drive organizational changes and achieve business outcomes.
For example, in the realm of cybersecurity, the security team needs to interact with various levels of the organization, including the C-suite and the board, as well as external auditors. To effectively deliver on their security program, team members must bring their power skills to the table. These skills enable them to have fruitful conversations that align with security goals while maintaining positive working relationships. By deepening the security culture within the organization, the team can improve the overall security posture.
The Top Skills for Every Technical Leader
IT leaders must consider the preferences and needs of their teams when interacting with them. This requires empathy as a foundational skill. Okey Obudulu, CISO at Skillsoft, emphasizes the importance of understanding the pain points of those he communicates with to be an effective security leader. Empathetic leaders take into account the impact their security strategies have on users and find solutions that are least disruptive to their work.
Creative thinking is another critical power skill for technical leaders. It not only helps them solve problems but also fosters an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and can contribute, regardless of their role. According to Gandy, large think tanks like the World Economic Forum recognize the importance of power skills like analytical thinking, innovation, problem-solving, leadership, and influence in the future workplace.
Developing Power-Ful Skills
While power skills are critical for IT leaders, they are also teachable and can be practiced until they become inherent. Gandy emphasizes that it is an ongoing process rather than a static point in time. Communication, for example, has evolved significantly in today’s hybrid and digital world. IT leaders need to keep evolving and adapting to these changes.
Receiving and offering mentoring and feedback is essential for the evolution of power skills. Every leader requires feedback as they grow, and it is crucial to seek out trusted mentors who can provide valuable advice and resources. Mentorship is a two-way street that encourages both personal growth and introspection.
AI and the Future of Power Skills
As AI becomes more prevalent in organizations, IT leaders have a crucial role in helping employees navigate the future of work and develop power skills. Gandy believes that IT leaders can play a critical role in helping people embrace new technologies and overcome any fears or hesitations they may have. By being ambassadors within the organization, IT leaders can facilitate learning and help people be more effective in their jobs.
In conclusion, power skills are no longer just a nice-to-have; they are essential for IT leaders to navigate complex tech challenges and drive organizational success. Skills like empathy, creative thinking, and effective communication are critical for building high-performing teams and achieving business outcomes. Developing these power skills is an ongoing process that requires continuous learning, feedback, and mentorship. With AI shaping the future of work, IT leaders have a unique opportunity to guide their teams through this technological transformation and foster the development of power skills across the organization.