06. Skills first approach in talent management

 


Understanding skills- First Approach

In a skills-first approach, the emphasis is on identifying and developing the specific skills that individuals bring to the table. This stands in contrast to a more conventional focus on roles and qualifications. The approach recognizes that skills are the true currency of the workforce, representing a dynamic and adaptable measure of an individual's potential contribution (Ernst, 2021).

Why is the world shifting to a skills-first approach?

1.     1. Too many jobs, not enough people: To put it simply, there are more jobs than people. Organizations need employees to staff their organizations. Two thirds of these businesses have reported missing out on opportunities or potential growth. A primary solution to this problem is to remove barriers to employment. By removing the requirement for a bachelor's degree, for example, you are increasing your talent pool.

2. Innovation is driving skills-change: The world is changing too much and too quickly, so new needs, industries, and companies are emerging every day. And with it, new jobs and the requirement for new and different skills.

The digital marketing discipline illustrates this very well. The advertising platforms are changing their algorithms, rules, technology, privacy rules, every day. In order for a Marketer to remain relevant in their industry, they absolutely must be learning new skills. When Apple rolled out iOS14 in May 2021, virtually overnight Performance Marketers running ad campaigns on Facebook had to completely revamp their strategies to compensate for the new rules of data sharing on Facebook’s platform. Google has announced it’s moving to a keyword-less future, leaving SEO experts scrambling to understand what the new winning strategy looks like. You blink, and the industry moves over an inch or even a foot.

3. People want to be challenged: People know that there are more interesting opportunities out in the world for them, and they are determined to tap into them. They know that the world is changing at lightning speeds and they have the chance to be part of the innovation. There is an ambitious, curious and driven nature to the human spirit that is simply tapping into what this world has to offer. They want to work in different companies, in different industries and even different disciplines. They are demanding different challenges from their career.

4. Job titles have lost their meaning: In the world with the linear corporate ladder, the job title might have meant something. It was a fair and decent market signal about the things a person did in their day-to-day role. But today, where companies are pivoting and employees are the ones doing the pivoting, job titles have to be as flexible as the people holding it. The job title simply does not adequately summarize what the person is doing in their role. And, in turn, the skills they are acquiring.


Conclusion: A Future-Ready Workforce

In a world where change is the only constant, organizations that prioritize a skills-first approach in talent management are better positioned to thrive. By recognizing and harnessing the unique skills of individuals, organizations can build a workforce that not only meets the demands of today but is also ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.




    

      References

Ames, E., 2022. What is a Skills-First Approach and Why Should You Want It?. [Online]
Available at: https://www.tilr.com/blog/what-is-skills-first-approach-why-should-you-want-it#:~:text=Skills-first%20is%20a%20more%20ethical%20and%20inclusive%20approach,that%20will%20succeed%20in%20the%20changing%20labour%20market.
[Accessed 30 11 2023].

Ernst, C., 2021. Here's how to implement a skills-first approach to workforce development. [Online]
Available at: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/10/heres-how-skills-first-approach-workforce-development/
[Accessed 30 11 2023].

 






Comments

  1. Further adding to this topic 'Skills-first' refers to an innovative talent management approach centered on skills and competencies – as opposed to degrees, job histories, or titles – for talent attraction, hiring, development, and redeployment. By prioritizing skills directly, regardless of how they were acquired, the 'skills-first' method democratizes access to economic opportunities and pathways to quality jobs for more people than traditional approaches.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Exactly, according to the following article it enables and boost the economic opportunities and pathways to quality jobs for more people.
      https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_CNES_Putting_Skills_First_2023.pdf

      In addition to that, it opens up pathways to quality jobs for a broader and more diverse range of individuals, fostering inclusivity and empowering a wider spectrum of talent to thrive in the workforce.

      Delete
  2. Skills and competencies are very important. Your analysis is very pertinent and justified. But one important thing you must pay attention is the significance of moral values. See organizational culture is build on such moral values. The leader in the organization should set the example. Therefore what I suggest is skills is important but moral values are equally important. You need to balance the both. If only focused on skills only, there will be no relationship building with employees. This can cause other issues like demotivation, low morale and employee dissatisfaction leading staff turnover and poor productivity.

    Therefore, just focusing on skills is not the only solution but on moral values.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Moral Values and skills are like the wings of a bird. A bird cannot fly with one wing. Likewise an organization cannot be successful with skills alone.

      Delete
    2. Moral Values and skills are like the wings of a bird. A bird cannot fly with one wing. Likewise an organization cannot be successful with skills alone.

      Delete
    3. Thanks Jasothan on your comment. Yes agree. Moral values serves as the compass guiding the actions and directions. They form the foundation of our character, influencing how we interact with others and the world around us. Exploring virtues such as honesty, integrity, compassion, and responsibility fosters a sense of ethical awareness that transcends professional and personal spheres (GULESERIAN, 2023). According to these the skills of an employee will be highlighted through moral values.

      Delete
  3. In your perspective, how can organizational leaders effectively integrate the promotion of moral values into their strategies for skill development, ensuring a harmonious balance between fostering technical competencies and nurturing a positive organizational culture?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Chathuri for your comment. Here are some steps organizational leaders can take to achieve this harmonious balance.

      1. Define core values.
      2. Leadership trainings.
      3. Performance metrics.
      4. Create a code of ethics.
      5. Continuous learning and adoption.

      These are some of steps than an organization can take.

      Delete

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