From office closures to flexible work schedules, the pandemic has disrupted the workplace as we knew it. But those who have adapted more readily to their new work environments are being touted by experts as having a ‘source of power.‘
In a recently published article from Business Insider, ‘hybrid competence’ is being dubbed the latest soft skill that could positively impact your career.
But what does it mean to be hybrid competent?
Associate professor of organizational behavior at INSEAD Mark Mortensen, who has researched remote work for years, says that it pays to be resourceful in today’s hybrid workforce. Those who are more competent at seeking out answers and problem-solving on their own to get their work done successfully have proven their ability to adapt and navigate challenging scenarios.
The article goes on to say that these skilled hybrid workers are also excellent relationship builders and are organized.
“Someone who has better network awareness management — and part of that could be better EQ — is going to fare better in this complex environment,” Mortensen says.
So can hybrid competency be taught or is it innate?
Mortensen suggests that it’s not a single skill but rather a set of skills that is influenced by personal and environmental factors — some that are even out of our control (ie: a sick child at home or a distractingly loud neighbor).
While the autonomy of today’s remote workforce gives employees the freedom and flexibility to ‘work on their own terms,’ it’s also an opportunity for managers to step up and provide structure and organization where necessary.
Overall, experts say that being able to highlight your ‘functional’ abilities on your résumé will set it apart from others. Being able to describe how your hybrid competency has improved business will go a long way in today’s ever-evolving workplace.
