What we traditionally referred to as “soft skills” are now the “Power Skills” for future readiness. According to a McKinsey article, “Social, emotional, and technological skills are becoming more crucial as intelligent machines take over more physical, repetitive, and basic cognitive tasks.”1 With this in mind, status quo education and training are not going to cut it long term. During our exploration of the human side of innovation, we had some very insightful conversations with individuals and organizations that are investing in leveling up soft skills across generations.
At createMpls, Executive Director, Rob Warland, and his team are preparing their students for success both now and in the future. Warland states, “If you have students coming into the workforce who are empowered and confident, and they’ve had technology exposure and opportunity, that changes how they can contribute to society. We prepare students for the future of work through innovative learning opportunities emphasizing the 4 Cs: Creativity, Critical Thinking, Communication, and Collaboration. We use technology as a tool to teach creativity and critical thinking.” Technology is a tool for humans to learn, grow, and succeed, not the other way around.
A new perspective is crucial to fostering curiosity and a proactive investment mindset. Kelly Riggs, author, and dynamic thought leader in leadership, sales development, and strategic planning, has a groundbreaking Sales UNTraining approach to enhancing corporate leadership and sales performance. Riggs stated, “Sales UNTraining is about challenging conventional approaches… It’s unlearning old ways and relearning new ones, a fundamental shift. When discussing sales training, the common surface-level concerns, like closing techniques, are addressed. However, true change requires a profound shift in behavior and skills. The aim is consistency, continuity, and impactful behavior change, which isn’t achieved through conventional methods like digital modules or classroom sessions.”
Exploring industries outside of equipment finance is one of our favorite ways to gain new perspectives at TomorrowZone. Looking at how other industries approach vital issues can spark new thinking and breakthough solutions. Bill Stainton, 29-time Emmy Award winner (and Hall of Fame speaker) and a creative innovation expert, addressed this beautifully when he said, “The real way to make an awesome tomorrow, the kind of tomorrow that you can’t even imagine now; collect dots that you aren’t currently collecting. Travel to a different country. Learn a new language. Read and listen to things outside your industry. Ask, how can I apply this? How can I connect the dots? When you get your brain into the practice of asking these questions, you will be amazed. In short order, you’ll turn into an innovation machine. That’s how you can create an awesome tomorrow.”
We are so grateful for the insights and experiences shared by these generous and visionary leaders. It’s crystal clear that the heart of true innovation beats not in the latest gadgetry, but in the pulse of human ingenuity and curiosity. At TomorrowZone, we’re not just observers of this dynamic; we’re active participants, facilitators, and catalysts, igniting the spark of change in the Equipment Finance industry and beyond. Reach out to TomorrowZone today, and let’s turn your vision into a vibrant reality. The future is bright, and it starts with a conversation. Let’s talk.
