Sixth entry in the series of 7 posts in which we are exposing in detail the McKinsey 7S Model. This time it is the turn of the “Skills” variable.
The acquisition and development of adequate skills is a fundamental issue for the sustainable success of any organization. Even more so in a constantly changing and highly competitive business environment. Below, we will highlight some key points about the importance of skills today.
We will start by talking about adapting to disruption. In a scenario where technological disruption, changes in consumer preferences and new market trends are constant, skills are critical. They enable companies to adapt and evolve. Organizations that foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement have a competitive advantage in addressing emerging challenges.
McKinsey 7S Model: Skills
Among the most valued skills today, we find creativity and innovation. Creative skills and the ability to innovate are vital to growth and differentiation. Fostering an environment where employees can contribute new ideas and solutions, combined with the adoption of critical thinking skills, can drive innovation at all levels.
Building on that, complex problem-solving skills are a must. The skills to tackle complex problems and make data-driven decisions are essential. This implies a deep understanding of data and an ability to analyze it and turn it into actionable insights.
In turn, we must not forget leadership development. These skills are crucial to guiding an organization to success. Strong leadership fosters an inspiring work culture and a shared vision, while providing guidance and support to employees.
Fostering collaboration is another key item. Interpersonal skills, such as effective communication and collaboration, are essential to building high-performance teams and facilitating cooperation across departments and functions within a company.
Finally, we will highlight talent management. Identifying, attracting and retaining relevant talent relies on a company’s ability to recognize and value the key skills necessary for success in its industry.
In the seventh and final post of this series, we will discuss the “Shared values” variable.
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