13 Must-Have Skills for the Future (That No One’s Talking About)

It takes a different set of skills to be a boss in our fast-changing world.

When it comes to must-have skills for the future. It’s not what you think. If you’re wondering which future leadership skills to develop.

You’re in the right place. To help you prepare to lead, here are 13 must-have skills for the future.

13 Skills for the Future

1. Normalizing failure 

The higher you get in your career, the more risk you’ll take on. And the more likely you are to experience failure. Leaders understand that failure comes with the territory.

They don’t shy away from making bold moves out of fear of failing. And neither should you. Normalizing failure is a skill for future leaders to develop. 

2. Able to read the room

If you wanna lead, learn to read the room. Reading the room means being able to pick up on non-verbal social cues.

Understand the unspoken. And have a pulse on how others may feel at any given moment. 

Leadership is being able to read what’s going on in a room without being told. It’s an important skill for the future.

3. Comfortable with others outshining you 

There’s always that one boss that feels threatened by you. And downplays your achievements so you don’t outshine them.

That’s the difference between a manager and a leader.

Leaders are built different. A leader isn’t afraid of the potential of others. They believe two heads are better than one.

And want to be surrounded by other smart people.  

Leaders have an abundant mindset. They know a candle doesn’t lose its flame by lighting other candles.

4. Creating a safe space 

People are choosing their peace now more than ever. Toxic work culture is the biggest reason people quit their jobs, according to research by MIT Sloan Management Review.

Being able to create a safe space is a key skill for the future. It means your energy should be warm and inviting. And make people want to be led by you.

5. Managing your career like a business 

Leaders don’t leave their careers up to chance. They plan their moves carefully. And so should you. 

Leaders manage their careers by having a solid career development plan. Investing in their professional development. And continuing to learn. 

If you wanna lead one day, learn to manage your career like a profitable business.

6. Managing your Emotions

Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is being able to manage your emotions. It’s a skill every future leader needs to develop. What does EQ look like?

It means keeping your ego in check. Staying out of your feelings. Developing thick skin.  And not allowing your emotions to get the best of you.   

7. Willingness to forgive 

If people can’t make mistakes with you and be forgiven. Leadership may not be in the cards for you just yet. Forgiveness is an important skill for future leaders. 

Businesses can’t run smoothly when led by someone that harbors resentment towards others. If you have forgiveness issues, consider getting professional help now. 

8. Networking Strategically 

Networking can open doors your degree alone can’t. Leaders understand the power of networking. And invest in surrounding themselves with high-value people. Being able to network strategically is a skill you’ll need as a future leader. 

9. Listening as well as you speak 

We have two ears and one mouth for a reason. It’s to listen more than we speak.  

Leaders get this. They have good active listening skills. And listen as well as they speak. You’ll need good listening skills to become an effective leader. 

10. Working with what you have

As a leader, you may not always have all the resources you need to get the job done. This applies whether you work for a company. Or run your own business. 

You’ll need to learn to work with what you have. And get creative. Being resourceful is a future-proof skill to learn.

11. Interacting well with different cultures

Cultural intelligence (CQ) is the ability to relate and work effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds.

It’s a skill you’ll need with the world becoming more global. If you wanna lead, you’ve got to be willing to step outside your comfort zone.

12. Building a Following 

For you to be a leader. People need to want to follow you. Building a following isn’t only about social media. You can build a following in your community, your workplace, or wherever you spend time.

A leader understands how to build authority by keeping people engaged and wanting more.

13. A big-picture mindset 

Real leaders think beyond today and tomorrow. They think big picture when making decisions. 

Big picture thinking refers to thinking strategically about a situation as a whole. It focuses on the long-term vision vs the small details.

Becoming a leader means adapting your mindset to focus on what really matters.

Developing Skills for the future

Now that you know the must-have skills for the future. It’s time to get out there and practice them.

And we’re here to help you! Head over to our NetWerk Free Career Center to download dozens of free career guides and templates.

Remember becoming a leader is a marathon, not a race. So pace yourself alright?

Over to You

Which skills for the future are you working to build? Head to our comments on social @netwerkmovement and let us know.

Share this with a future leader!