Mark Cuban: 3 Skills That Will Make You Successful in the Future Job Market
Written by
Kristopher Kane
Edited by
Amber Barkley
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Novel technologies like artificial intelligence are the impetus behind revolutionary changes in how people live and work. Technological advancements are reshaping industries at a dizzying pace and creating a job market with new challenges and money-making opportunities. As AI continues to develop, however, it presents the real risk of transforming or even eliminating millions of jobs.
These changes won’t arrive unnoticed. The World Economic Forum reported in 2023 that the next decade will bring significant shifts in employment demand. The changes will doubtless require the development of skills that meet new requirements.
In a recent interview with CNBC Make It, Mark Cuban, renowned billionaire entrepreneur and investor, identified three important soft skills that can help job seekers open doors to better employment opportunities and promotions — and the raises that come with them.
Cuban admitted he doesn’t know the full extent of the changes AI may have regarding future employment opportunities. “I can pretend that I’m gonna be able to predict where AI’s going and the exact impact on the job market, but I’d be lying. I have no idea.”
So, what can you do to prepare for these changes? According to Cuban, it comes down to three things: “Be agile, and be curious, and be able to adapt.” Keep reading for a deeper look at the three skills Cuban listed, why they’re important and how you can develop these qualities.
Agility: Swift and Effective Response
In this sense, agility applies to your thought processes and your ability to learn new information quickly and use it in practical, day-to-day scenarios.
This ability to pivot in response to changing circumstances will be highly sought-after in the future job market. It’s not just about keeping up with the changes; it’s also about capitalizing on them to enhance productivity and effectiveness.
Curiosity: The Catalyst for Innovation
Curiosity will become indispensable to job seekers and employers as these changes continue to develop. It’s the spark that drives innovative thinking and problem-solving. Staying curious means you’re more vigilant and open to new possibilities.
Curiosity can drive you to explore unfamiliar topics and broaden your knowledge base and skill set. The net result will likely be better, more effective solutions to work-related challenges.
Adaptability: Navigating the Waves of Change
The way people work has already seen significant changes due to the rise of AI, shifts to remote and hybrid work in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and a workplace populated by five generations of workers, each with a unique and distinct style of communication.
This dynamic environment demands an ability to adjust to new situations. Adaptability can grant a powerful sense of agency in work environments. It can make you more comfortable with the unknown and help turn challenges into opportunities.
The Path Forward: Incorporating These Skills
While new technologies, especially AI, continue to change existing industries, Cuban said these soft skills will remain timeless: “The skills you need for a job today, 10 years, 100 years from now, are always the same.”
Curiosity drives continual learning and exploration, adaptability prepares you to better deal with the unpredictable, and agility is needed for quick, efficient responses to new developments. These combined skills form a solid foundation for career success, no matter your industry.
To cultivate curiosity, form habits around exploring new topics, technologies or industries that pique your interest. You’ll broaden your horizons and equip yourself with more diverse insights, which leads to innovative solutions.
To become more adaptable, expose yourself to different work environments and welcome change as an opportunity for growth rather than an obstacle.
Finally, practice agility by regularly examining your work habits to identify areas where you can improve, allowing you to react more swiftly to shifting demands.
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