We continue our Skills Of The Future series, based on the Morgan McKinley recent list of skills that hiring managers should be looking for to shape a workforce that is equipped to thrive in the future.
In this article we examine how Technology Use, Monitoring and Control are essential technology-focused capabilities that hiring managers should prioritize to build an adaptable and future-ready workforce.
Technology Use
The ability to effectively utilize various software, tools, and tech platforms will only grow in importance across all sectors. From smart factory workers troubleshooting automated systems to office coordinators managing cloud collaboration apps, technology literacy is becoming essential. Companies should assess a candidate’s ability to quickly learn and apply new tech to maximize their productivity and output. Beyond basic digital skills, specialized technology use like analyzing data, programming devices, or designing systems will be a key competitive edge.
Monitoring
With the wealth of performance metrics and analytics available today, there is huge potential value in data-driven monitoring and optimization. Employees who can actively track key performance indicators, identify issues or bottlenecks in systems, and continuously improve processes will thrive as organizations become more technologically driven. Whether it’s spotting cybersecurity risks, parsing customer usage patterns, or streamlining supply chains, data analysis skills enable impactful monitoring and refinement.
Control
While automation handles routine tasks, technology rarely runs itself. Employees at every level need the capacity to interveningly control these systems to handle edge cases, adjust to new realities, and ensure optimal outcomes. This requires both an understanding of the technology itself and adaptive critical thinking skills to guide it effectively. As the pace of technological change accelerates, the workforce must stay agile, proactively assessing situations and exerting flexible control rather than just reacting.
The integration of emerging technologies into nearly all workplace environments means that a workforce well-versed in effectively leveraging these systems is essential for future success. While tech alone can’t drive progress, when combined with uniquely human strengths like creativity, empathy, and strategy, it unlocks immense possibilities. By prioritizing technology use proficiency along with higher-order skills like monitoring, optimization, and adaptive control, hiring managers can build teams equipped to capitalize on both automation and human potential. This will become one of the greatest competitive differentiators across every industry in the years ahead.
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