5 Vital Skills Needed to Thrive Post-COVID

By Olanrewaju Adeoke

Photo by Ivan Bertolazzi from Pexels

The world is acutely aware of the full threat of coronavirus, especially its health and economic implications. In Nigeria, as in many countries of the world, physical academic activities have been halted, physical religious meetings have been placed on hold and many markets are only partially open. Importation and exportation of goods, asides safety gloves, masks and other personal protective equipments (PPEs), as well as other health-related materials, have been put on hold. Families are confined to their homes due to movement restrictions; some employees are tasked to work from home. As intelligent and creative beings, we are constantly identifying and utilising effective ways to live despite the virus. However, it is saddening that some people have not yet grasped the realities of the pandemic; they are still unperturbed, living as usual.

In the wake of living despite the pandemic, organisations have been forced to take critical decisions and make strategic adjustments to their activities. Businesses are seeking ways to pivot so that they can not only exist post-COVID but also thrive. Millions of jobs have been lost, and many are stuck at home with little or no means of income, while having to grapple with staying healthy and paying bills. On the national front, there are speculations of a looming economic recession. These times are truly hard!

There are 5 vital skills which will help individuals and organisations thrive post-COVID. The pandemic has caused a heavy reliance on technology and going forward, everyone will need to plug into the digital economy if they must remain relevant. Here are the top 5 skills crucial to your relevance post-COVID:

1. Digital Skills
COVID-19 has clearly shown how technology can be used to bridge space and time among humans. It no longer has to be a physical conference call or meeting in a so-called office. In these times, Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp Video calls and other video conferencing apps help meetings to hold in a smooth manner without any interruption. Technology can be applied to all disciplines and areas of human endeavour. It is therefore important for individuals and organisations to gain digital skills so that they can leverage technology for increased productivity and resilience in times of crisis. These aspects of technology (and more) will prove useful to individuals and organisations:

· Website Optimization and Design

.Digital/Social Media Marketing
· Coding Skills
· Graphics Design and Videos

2. Problem-Solving/Critical Thinking Skills

The world is full of problems which themselves are a channel for enhanced value creation and delivery. To convert problems to solutions, critical thinking and problem-solving skills are vital for objective evaluation and strategic decision making.

Photo by Anna Shvets from Pexels

3. Data Analytics
Data is a critical asset for mankind, it helps to determine how we as human beings behave or interact. With the right data collection, a business can run smoothly with the right products and services during or after any pandemic. Companies that understand business trends and shifting customer needs are better able to respond in the right way, in the event of a pandemic. However, the data is useless to a company unless there are data- literate people equipped with skills to understand and interpret the data. Data scientists can analyse raw data to find trends and answer questions crucial to the business as technology provides them with more information than ever before.

4. Emotional Intelligence
This skill is highly needed by both employers and employees of labour, it helps to identify and manage one’s own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. This soft skill allows one to relate with others, recognize their own strengths and weaknesses, and understand what a company’s clients are going through, thereby enhancing relationship and management of customers.

Photo by Oladimeji Ajegbile from Pexels

5. Risk Management and Creativity
Risk management and creativity are skills which prove life-saving for any organisation. With creativity, one is able to solve a challenge in an effectivecand efficient manner. COVID-19 embodies varying degrees of risks and the only solution is utilizing creativity to manage the risks. Risk management skills embody the following:
Leadership/ Managerial Skills
Analytical Skills
Communication Skills
Business understanding
Negotiation & Diplomacy
Data collection and management Working under pressure
Collaborative skills

The pandemic has brought the world to her knees, however like a phoenix, we shall rise out of the ashes. While we prepare for the world’s victory over COVID-19, individuals and organisations must brace themselves so that they can strategically plug themselves into the opportunities which currently exist and which will be birthed post-COVID.

References
1. https://www.fastcompany.com/90493787/5-essential-skills-to-expand-your-job-prospects-after-coronavirus
2. forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2020/04/17/8-job-skills-to-succeed-in-a-post-coronavirus-world/#43d258872096