Agility is today’s key soft skill for success
The ability to change quickly is what employers are looking for in an ever-changing workplace
Not only is change happening every day, it is now happening at a faster pace and gets more challenging with each passing day. Hence, the new buzzword is agility. Organizations are recognizing the need to employ people who display agile traits and characteristics — those who move quickly, adapt nimbly and accomplish tasks faster.
Good news is that immigrants like us are used to change, so we’re ready to show employers we’re agile. Just like a business strategy, agile candidates will need to position themselves with the bigger picture in mind. This means not just tailoring the resumé but your entire mindset in approaching a future job.
This is what agility looks like in a potential hire. Candidates who display these 10 qualities will definitely make the shortlist.
A relentless learner
An insatiable appetite to keep learning is said to be the number 1 predictor of an individual’s future success. Agile learners tend to embrace all opportunities to acquire new knowledge, skills and experience. And then determine how best to apply this information to identifying opportunities and solving problems.
Energetic
They are flexible, nimble and quick. They are able to react and respond to changing needs quickly in a constantly evolving world. Today, we could be collaborating across time zones. Agile employees need to have the stamina to do this. This means they eat right, exercise and take care of themselves so that they can conserve the energy and have more of it.
Approachable and friendly
Agile employees are conscious of their appearance and hygiene. They are approachable, kind and compassionate. Their conversation tone is inclusive, it makes others feel they are cared about.
Internationally aware
An Ernst and Young report says that one of the most important qualities employers are looking for today is a global mindset. This means being aware of events and perspectives around the world.
Adaptable
Agile employees aren’t afraid of change. They’re open to learning new skills, software and technology to keep pace with the rate of change today. They are able to adjust to different cultures, personalities and ways of doing things.
Ability to make small talk
This is especially important when working with diverse cultures. Agile employees know how to talk about safe topics like the weather, current events, sports and others when engaging with those from other parts of the world.
Assertive
Agile individuals are clear in what they’re saying and set their expectations while maintaining harmony within the relationship. They know how to take initiative, ask for what they need, and assert opinions so that they are visible and productive.
Curious
Being curious is an important trait for gaining knowledge and showing people that you’re interested in them. Agile employees are always eager to know about new and different ways of doing things. Never satisfied with the status quo, they’re always thinking about how to simplify, automate and enhance value.
Collaborative
There’s nothing better than an agile team player who is genuinely enthusiastic and motivating to others. The agile individual is energized by the team experience, listens intently and purposefully, respects differences, creates a safety net where innovation is born, and genuinely understands how important everyone’s success is to the greater good.
Positive attitude
They bring the willingness to try something that has never been done before and not be afraid of failure. The agile individual is ready to jump in with sleeves rolled up. They aren’t naysayers. They believe anything can be done even if it requires abandoning old ways of doing things. They see only solutions, not problems.
In today’s globally competitive environment, it is nearly impossible to sustain competitive advantage through past skills alone. Today, the professional characteristic of agility — a continuous learner, decisive leader and strategic thinker — will define next generation leadership in today’s organizations.
To sum up, agility is your willingness to adapt, your ability to change and the nimbleness you exhibit as you adapt to change — quickly, it is key to your future.