The 4 Skills You Need for Career Success

Summary

In this video, Susie Welch, a professor at NYU Stern, introduces the 'Four Rs of the Future,' essential skills to thrive in today’s unpredictable economy. These include reskilling—constantly upgrading your knowledge, regular relationships—expanding your network beyond your industry, relevance—staying informed and curious about trends, and resilience—developing grit and the ability to forgive and bounce back from setbacks. Welch emphasizes that these principles are crucial for adapting to change and securing long-term success in a rapidly evolving world.

Takeaways

• 😀 Reskilling is essential: Continuously upgrade your skills, even when it’s uncomfortable, to stay competitive in a rapidly changing economy.
• 😀 Don't rely solely on your company for reskilling: Take responsibility for your own learning and development by seeking out online courses and conversations with others.
• 😀 Networking across industries and functions is vital: Build relationships outside your immediate area of expertise to have a support system when your field faces challenges.
• 😀 Stay curious: Follow diverse thought leaders, data points, and trends to stay current and informed, even if it challenges your existing views.
• 😀 Your ‘currency’ is your knowledge: The more up-to-date you are with industry trends and global events, the more valuable you become in the workforce.
• 😀 Curiosity can be cultivated: If you're not naturally curious, it’s a skill that can be developed with practice, much like improving hand-eye coordination.
• 😀 Forgiveness is key to resilience: It's not just about perseverance; resilience also requires letting go of anger and resentment from failures or setbacks.
• 😀 Relationships matter beyond your job: Expand your network to include people in different industries, locations, and functions, not just those in your immediate field.
• 😀 Relevance is critical: Always seek to stay in the conversation and keep learning about emerging trends and technologies to ensure your continued success.
• 😀 Resilience is a two-part skill: Combine grit with the ability to forgive yourself and others for setbacks to move forward more effectively.

Q & A

What are the 'four Rs' that Susie Welch discusses for future-proofing one's career?

The four Rs are reskilling, regular relationships, relevance, and resilience. These skills are essential to navigate a rapidly changing and unpredictable economy.

Why is reskilling important, according to Susie Welch?

Reskilling is important because it allows individuals to stay current and competitive in an ever-evolving job market. It's crucial to continually update one's knowledge and skill set, even though it can be difficult and uncomfortable.

How can someone identify what skills they need to reskill in, especially in an unpredictable economy?

To identify what skills to reskill in, individuals should ask people in their network, especially their boss, about what skills are important for the future. It's also essential to stay informed through online resources and training programs.

What is the importance of building 'regular relationships' outside your immediate area of expertise?

Building regular relationships outside your field or function is crucial because it provides a safety net if your industry or role faces challenges. Having connections in other sectors can offer new perspectives and help you navigate difficult career transitions.

How does Susie Welch suggest you expand your professional network?

Susie Welch suggests expanding your network by connecting with people from different industries, functions, and geographical locations. Even informal social connections can provide valuable resources if you encounter difficulties in your own industry.

What does Susie Welch mean by the phrase 'your currency is your currency'?

This phrase means that your worth in today's job market is directly tied to how current and knowledgeable you are. To stay valuable, you must continuously keep up with trends, developments, and industry changes.

How does Susie Welch recommend staying current in your field?

To stay current, Susie Welch recommends following a list of trusted columnists, data points, and sources that you agree with and even those you disagree with. Regularly reading diverse viewpoints helps you stay informed and think critically about industry trends.

What role does curiosity play in staying relevant in one's career?

Curiosity is a key skill that helps you stay relevant. It’s not only a natural trait but also a skill that can be developed. By being curious and actively seeking out new knowledge, you stay ahead of changes in your field.

What is Susie Welch's definition of resilience?

Susie Welch defines resilience as a combination of grit and forgiveness. While grit is important for perseverance, forgiveness—of yourself and others—is crucial for moving past failures and setbacks and being able to try again.

Why does Susie Welch emphasize the need for forgiveness in building resilience?

Susie Welch emphasizes forgiveness as part of resilience because holding on to anger and resentment can hold you back from moving forward. To truly be resilient, you need to let go of negative emotions and focus on recovering and growing from the experience.