Presented by Skillsoft
In today's fast-paced tech landscape, IT leaders must excel in both technical expertise and soft skills to advance their careers. Discover the essential combination of technical and power skills necessary for motivating teams and achieving business success in this VB Spotlight.
Watch free on demand!
Power skills, previously referred to as soft skills, are now essential for professional development. These non-technical abilities—such as decision-making, flexibility, problem-solving, and communication—are vital for IT leaders working with teams, cross-functional colleagues, and the C-suite. Rebranding them as "power skills" emphasizes their importance in shaping a leader's career, regardless of their technical role.
"Oftentimes, power skills are the secret sauce that can make or break a team’s effectiveness and a leader’s ability to drive organizational changes and achieve critical business outcomes in a competitive market," explains Koma Gandy, VP of Leadership and Business Portfolio at Skillsoft.
The Impact of Power Skills on Organizational Goals
Power skills like empathy, negotiation, and effective communication are increasingly vital in today’s complex work environment, according to Okey Obudulu, CISO at Skillsoft. These skills are necessary for professional growth and organizational success.
For example, the security team must collaborate across all organizational levels, including interactions with the C-suite and external auditors, to implement a successful security program. Effective use of power skills ensures productive conversations that meet security objectives while maintaining strong working relationships.
"We cannot act in isolation from the organization’s goals and what colleagues aim to achieve,” notes Obudulu. “By applying power skills, we help strengthen the security culture, which in turn enhances the overall security posture of the organization."
CISOs need to refine their communication skills to engage effectively with diverse audiences, understanding that this is an area for continuous improvement.
Essential Skills for Technical Leaders
IT leaders must adapt their approach to how they communicate with various teams. Empathy should be a foundational skill, as it enables leaders to identify the pain points of their colleagues, enhancing overall effectiveness.
“Empathy is essential in our daily interactions,” Obudulu states. “As a security leader, understanding the concerns of those I communicate with makes me more effective.”
Often, users view security measures as obstacles to their work. Empathetic leaders acknowledge these perceptions and strive to implement security strategies that minimize disruption.
“If we implement controls without thoughtful discussion, they can become burdensome and unnecessary. Without empathy, we overlook these important considerations and reduce our effectiveness as security professionals,” he adds.
Creative thinking is another crucial power skill. It enables leaders to address challenges innovatively and cultivate an inclusive environment where all team members feel valued.
Gandy highlights that major organizations like the World Economic Forum emphasize the growing importance of power skills—including analytical thinking, innovation, problem-solving, leadership, and influence—in the future workplace.
“The skills that determine team effectiveness are largely power skills. The workplace we entered a decade ago is vastly different from today,” she explains. “With varying proximity, geography, and generational experiences, leaders must unite diverse groups to foster high-performing teams.”
Developing Power Skills
Gandy points out that while power skills are critical, they can be learned and developed over time. “It’s a continuous journey rather than a one-time achievement. Good communication skills in a past in-person setting do not translate to today’s remote environment,” she explains. “That’s why ongoing evolution is key.”
Feedback and mentorship play crucial roles in this growth. Leaders must seek constructive feedback to develop their skills further, recognizing that mentoring is a mutual process.
“Find trusted individuals whose insights challenge you and encourage introspection. This discomfort promotes growth,” she advises. “Ask mentors for recommended resources that align with your goals.”
AI and the Future of Power Skills
As AI becomes more integrated into workplaces, IT leaders are essential in guiding employees through this transition and fostering power skills.
“IT leaders can bridge the gap between fear and fascination with new technologies,” Gandy states. “By offering support and encouraging employees to embrace learning opportunities, they can help others navigate the evolving landscape, where power skills will increasingly intersect with rapidly changing tech.”
For more insights into the impact of AI on power skill development, success stories, and practical strategies, don't miss this VB Spotlight!
Watch free on demand!
Agenda
- Cultivating power skills to empower IT leaders in navigating complex tech challenges
- Skills that enhance leadership effectiveness, collaboration, adaptability, and strategic decision-making
- Actionable AI-driven strategies for developing power skills across the organization
Presenters
- Okey Obudulu, CISO, Skillsoft
- Koma Gandy, VP of Leadership & Business Portfolio, Skillsoft
- Elisabeth Hendrickson, Moderator
Ranking
