Four Skill Sets for the 21st Century

I've worked with students, interns, and employees for the last couple of decades, and when it comes to skills, I always look for only a handful. 

Regardless of role, responsibilities, tasks, or even duration of engagement, the skills needed to succeed and add value to an institution are the same.

I have grouped the skills, as the skills should serve a purpose. Some people may be more assertive in some skills, but others rely on complementary skills to help accomplish a task.

1. Communication skill   

Communication skills are not just about words; they are not limited to reading, writing, and speaking. It's about the message or information and how it's shared or received. It's about respect and understanding. Without this ability, we as individuals become storage silos. What's the use of storing something that will never be used?

2. Imagination and Empathy 

We must see the big picture because it is easy to drown and get lost in small details. But to see the big picture, we must use our imagination and engage our brains. When we work with fellow human beings, brains are not enough; we have to understand how others see and experience the world, too. Hence, empathy is even more critical when working with teammates, bosses, clients, and anyone.
 

3. Initiative, Problem Solving & Grit

 At first glance, these three skills seem unrelated. But these are the skills of "the rubber meeting the road.' And the three -- initiative, problem-solving skills, and grit -- need to come together. Initiative enables a person to take up the challenge, and problem-solving skills allow a structured approach to discovering the solution. At the same time, grit sees the process through to the conclusion. 
 

4. Grasp of Technical Fundamentals 

Technology develops fast. New products and services keep getting released at shorter time intervals than before. Those with a good grasp of science and engineering fundamentals can keep up with the progress. Every technology would seem novel and challenging to understand if there is a lack of understanding of the underlying science.

 *First published here at "https://www.acauso.com

Why Do We Need Robots in Countries with Low-Cost Labor?

Developed countries like the USA, Japan, and Singapore suffer from a labor crunch. Is the Philippines, a developing country with a large population of unemployed and underemployed and a low-labor-cost country, immune from this problem? We are not; we also have labor crunch issues. 

The Philippines, along with developing countries such as Vietnam and Indonesia, need a larger workforce in critical industries. Where, then, are the much-needed workers? 

The missing worker problem, often explained as a delayed gratification issue, is a crucial aspect that needs to be understood and addressed. In their works on understanding the economics of poverty, Nobel Prize economists Banerjee Abhijit and Esther Duflo observe this phenomenon. What are the reasons behind this delay in employment?

First, the young generation is selective with jobs because they have been conditioned that their parents worked hard to educate them, so they must get better jobs. Second, more middle-class parents are willing to support their children while looking for jobs, so for these kids, there is no urgent need to find a job right now. Lastly, how about people with low incomes? They have limited options because they may need more skills or education to tackle the available jobs or are willing to wait it out like their more affluent counterparts.

Suppose humans cannot work on dull, dirty, and dangerous jobs. In that case, we need robots to interview for vacant job positions. Because otherwise, who else will do the work?

/ This article first appeared on www.acauso.com based on a talk I delivered at the 10th Balik Scientist Program Annual Convention at the PICC. 

Post-COVID normal - Shopping Edition

While the WHO is predicting that the virus may stay with us, it could also disappear as quickly as it came. We are in the midst of producing disinfection robots post-haste in order to provide clients with the means to fight COVID-19. In the post-COVID normal, will disinfection robots be a common sight? Will precautions such as social distancing, temperature checking, and sanitizing become permanent too? 

As with other technology, I expect an initial high demand for disinfection robot for at least a couple of years followed by a tapering off as it become more common. I expect the initial purchasers, or early adopters, to be institutions, companies, and rich individuals. The robot would then evolve into a nice-to-have instead of a must-have,  for example as a marketing tool to attract patrons to malls or places which can afford the machine. 

But this could also go the other way -- disinfection robots could become commoditized and go the way of vacuum cleaners and washing machines. It becomes such a necessity that it is easily available at an affordable cost; simply go to any appliance store to pick up one for home use. 

For now, let's see how this upscale mall in Bangkok is wooing its well-heeled patrons with images of safe (virus-free) shopping experience. 

/ first appeared on www.acauso.com