In the fast-paced world of technology, being adaptable is no longer just an added bonus; it’s a necessity. As the tech landscape constantly evolves, so do the demands on IT professionals. In this dynamic field, qualifications can become obsolete overnight. You need to be as flexible as the technology you work with to thrive.

In this article we explore the importance of flexibility as a soft skill and its increasing significance in the tech sector. We’ll break down what flexibility means, highlight its closely related skills, and provide practical tips on how you can cultivate and leverage this invaluable trait as a tech professional.

Stay Future-Proof: Tech Needs Your Flexibility and Other Soft Skills 

The world of technology is undergoing a profound transformation. Thanks to automation and rapid technological advancements, the workplace is evolving, and so are the skills required to thrive in it.

In fact, according to McKinsey & Company, the demand for emotional and social skills in workplaces across the United States is projected to surge by 26 percent between 2016 and 2030.¹ Among these vital skills, flexibility stands out.

Flexibility skills are invaluable in today’s tech landscape. They enable rapid adaptation to the swiftly changing technological landscape, where innovations can quickly become outdated. This adaptability is vital for staying relevant.

Flexibility also equips you with a versatile skill set, allowing you to seamlessly tackle diverse tasks and foster innovation in problem-solving. In collaborative tech environments, it promotes effective teamwork and doesn’t hinder productivity but enhances it. Moreover, a continuous willingness to learn and grow is essential in tech to stay competitive.

Mastering Mental Flexibility: A Crucial Skill for Tomorrow’s Tech Workforce 

In tech, the demand for hard skills is always present, but there’s one skill that will remain timeless: mental flexibility.

In its analysis of future workforce skills, McKinsey identified 56 distinct elements of talent (DELTAs), organized into 13 skill groups. Among these, mental flexibility is a vital component.

In a comprehensive assessment involving 18,000 individuals from 15 countries, each skill group was scored on a scale from zero to 100. Notably, respondents got an average score of 61 for critical thinking and mental flexibility.

Let’s take a closer look into the skills and attitudes under the cognitive group of mental flexibility. See if you possess any of them as they can be very useful in your role in tech.

Adaptability

Adaptability is all about staying open to change. It’s not just about reacting well when changes happen but also being proactive and ready for whatever may come your way. Being truly adaptable means not just coping with change but embracing it. It involves not being afraid to explore new ways of doing things, even if it means picking up new skills along the way.

Ability to Learn

Learning isn’t confined to classrooms. In tech, being a quick and independent learner is a huge asset. It means you can pick up new skills and competencies rapidly, even if they’re outside your current expertise. This ability to learn extends beyond formal education and can be a game-changer in a field where technology and trends evolve rapidly.

Adopting a Different Perspective

In the tech world, it’s often essential to see things from different angles, especially from the end-users’ viewpoint. This means understanding how people might utilize the services or products you create. It also involves anticipating their reactions and usage in diverse situations and contexts.

Creativity and Imagination

Using your imagination can help you come up with ideas, concepts, and strategies that are original, unique, and valuable. Creative thinkers don’t wait for someone to ask them to be inventive; they regularly tap into their imaginative powers to tackle challenges and innovate.

Translating Knowledge to Different Contexts
This skill allows you to take your knowledge and apply it in diverse situations. It means you can use an experience or understanding from one area or scenario to generate fresh ideas and insights in another.²

Related Reading: Adaptive Agility: Why Flexibility and Resilience are the Soft Skills of Tomorrow 

How to Develop and Nurture Flexibility Skills 

If you want to become more flexible to better adapt to the demands of the tech industry, here are some tips on how you can develop or nurture the valuable skill of flexibility so you can thrive in the tech industry.

Offer help to others.

One of the best ways to develop your flexibility at work is to offer help to the people around you. Doing this gives you the opportunity to learn new skills, view things from different perspectives, and gain new insights. Moreover, it demonstrates your willingness to adapt for others’ benefit.

When your workload allows it or you have some free time, inquire if your coworkers require assistance with their tasks. You can also establish objectives to keep yourself on track. For instance, integrate helping at least one colleague into your weekly routine. You can also maintain a journal to document your actions, emotions, and lessons learned from specific individuals.

Consider other perspectives.

Considering other people’s perspectives can help you learn to be more flexible as this can challenge your own beliefs and let you approach problems differently.

You can cultivate this by actively seeking the different viewpoints of people around you. In every conversation you have, try asking the other person about their thoughts on the matter. If you want to know more about their perspective, ask them to elaborate. See if you change your mind or if it adds to what you know.

Considering other people’s perspectives also shows the other person involved you’re open-minded and willing to learn from them.

Surround yourself with people you can trust.

Remember you also need help and support from others. Having a support network can help you become more flexible because these people can provide a safe space to take risks and try new things without the fear of failing or making mistakes.

Find people who can encourage you to pursue new ideas and experiences. People like them can help you trust yourself better and reduce any doubts about your skills and abilities.

Have the desire to continuously learn.

Fostering dedication to develop your skills can help you become more flexible and adaptable at work. There are several ways to do this. You can take courses, attend conferences, listen to podcasts and talks, or stay up to date with industry trends and challenges.

Make time for learning by adding it to your schedule. For example, you can take an hour each day to learn something new, even if it’s just a tiny fact that piqued your interest.

Related Reading: 7 Must-join Tech Organizations for Ongoing Learning and Growth 

Embrace variety in your routine.

Switching up your routine and trying new things can hone the way you think and approach work, which can make you more creative.

Consider collaborating with different teams or exploring new tools and applications you’ve never used before to break the monotony at work. These experiences can teach you to trust yourself and others, even in uncertain outcomes.

Define your work values.

Identifying your own values provides you with a clear guide in making decisions no matter how flexible your work or situation may seem.

Focusing on these values helps you achieve your goals through diverse, more creative ways that can open up new experiences. Having firm values develops in you the mindset that you can reach that same goal no matter what comes your way.

Related Reading: The Secret Sauce for Job Seekers: Master Self-Awareness to Ace Your Interview 

Flexibility and other soft skills are now in demand in tech.

Soft skills like flexibility are becoming more important for tech employers as these skills demonstrate your willingness to accomplish new things and overcome unexpected challenges. Stand out from other candidates by being flexible. Develop this skill with openness and willingness to hone your skills, plan ahead, and stay positive.

GET IN TOUCH WITH ON-DEMAND GROUP TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR FLEXIBILITY

Technological skills are undoubtedly important but your soft skills and work ethic also hold immense value in today’s landscape. If you’re looking for a role that aligns with your flexible skill set, On-Demand Group can help you find your next best opportunity in tech. We’re committed to connecting you with employers who appreciate and value your flexibility. Contact us today!

References 

1 Bughin, Jacques, et al. “Skill Shift: Automation and the Future of the Workforce.” McKinsey & Company, 23 May 2018, www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/future-of-work/skill-shift-automation-and-the-future-of-the-workforce.

2 Dondi, Marco, et al. “Defining the Skills Citizens Will Need in the Future World of Work.” McKinsey & Company, 25 Jun. 2021, www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/industries/publicandsocialector/ourinsights/defining-the-skills-citizens-will-need-in-the-future-of-work-final.pdf.