By Lydia Vidal. In an ever-changing, interconnected, and demanding work environment, there are certain skills that make a difference. It’s not just about technical knowledge, but about transversal skills that enable you to adapt, advance, and collaborate more effectively.
Among all the essential skills for this time of year (and in professional life), we highlight the four most effective and impactful ones, as well as the behaviors that allow us to recognize each skill in others and in ourselves:
1. Adaptability
Course changes, new priorities, unforeseen events… The ability to adapt without losing focus or getting stuck is one of today’s great superpowers.
Adaptability Behaviors. Adaptable people tend to:
- React calmly to the unexpected or changes of plan.
- Quickly find alternatives when things don’t go as expected.
- Not cling to “the way things have always been done.”
- Feel comfortable in uncertain or evolving contexts.
- Adjust their communication style according to the interlocutor or situation.
How to develop Adaptability?
Practica el desapego de tus planes iniciales, aprende a observar antes de reaccionar y mantén una actitud abierta ante lo que no controlas. La flexibilidad no es resignación: es elegir cómo responder, no solo reaccionar.
2. Time Management
Accumulated tasks, multiple fronts open, and the feeling that the day isn’t long enough. Time management isn’t just about your calendar: it involves clarity of priorities, focus, and energy.
Time Management Behaviors. People with strong time management:
- Have clear priorities and know how to say “no” without guilt.
- Arrive on time, meet deadlines, and rarely need extensions.
- Tend to anticipate rather than react at the last minute.
- Organize their days with intention, reserving time for important tasks (not just urgent ones).
- Seem to move forward without rushing, but with consistency and focus.
How to improve Time Management?
Start by identifying which activities truly contribute to your objectives. Eliminate the non-essentials, batch similar tasks, and give yourself interruption-free windows. Sometimes the best use of time is… stopping to review how you’re using it.
3. Critical Thinking
In a world of over-information and quick decisions, clear thinking is more necessary than ever. Critical thinking helps you question assumptions, detect logical errors, and make better-informed decisions.
Critical Thinking Behaviors. Critical thinkers:
- Ask questions that invite deeper analysis or challenge assumptions.
- Don’t go with first impressions or the majority opinion without scrutiny.
- Clearly separate facts from interpretations.
- Admit their errors or doubts naturally.
- Make reasoned decisions and remain open to revision when new data emerge.
How to train Critical Thinking?
Before accepting something as true, ask yourself: What evidence do I have? What other perspectives exist? What if the opposite were true? Surround yourself with people who think differently and foster dialogue based on arguments, not just opinions.
4. Collaboration
Working in a team isn’t just dividing tasks. It’s building together, trusting, communicating clearly, and sharing responsibility. In times of urgency and pressure, genuine collaboration makes all the difference.
Collaboration Behaviors. Collaborative people:
- Genuinely care about the team’s success, not just their own.
- Share information, ideas, and resources freely.
- Give constructive feedback and receive others’ feedback without defensiveness.
- Know when to lead and when to follow.
- Listen actively and make every team member feel valued.
How to foster Collaboration?
Listen actively, offer help before being asked, and highlight others’ contributions. Collaboration grows when people feel safe to express themselves and contribute from their strengths.Developing these skills isn’t a one-day task. But you can start today, with small, conscious actions that move you toward a way of working (and living) more aligned with your challenges and goals.
Desarrollar estas habilidades no es cuestión de un día. Pero sí puedes empezar hoy, con pequeñas acciones conscientes que te acerquen a un modo de trabajar (y de vivir) más alineado con tus retos y objetivos
