Making an impact as a professional or entrepreneur in Africa is a true odyssey. Whether during our studies or after entering the professional world, we are constantly seeking to improve ourselves and develop our skills. It is in this context that the concepts of “soft skills” and “hard skills” often come up. While these skills are certainly a good foundation for career advancement in business, given the growing dynamism of African society, are they still sufficient to meet current challenges?

Soft Skills and Hard Skills: Necessary but Insufficient

Soft skills, such as leadership and communication, are now well understood and essential in any organization. They form the foundation of professional relationships. Hard skills, on the other hand, encompass technical skills specific to a sector, and define expertise. However, in the African context, where organizational structures can be complex, these skills alone are no longer sufficient to guarantee success.

Towards Smart Skills: The Future of Skills

To meet new demands, a new type of skill is emerging: smart skills (replacing soft skills). In her book “The job is easy, the people are not,” author and speaker Loredana Pardurean identifies three key aspects:

1. Emotional Intelligence (EI): Understanding and managing one’s emotions while recognizing those of others is crucial. In the African context, this translates into better conflict management and the ability to create an inclusive work environment for talent from all backgrounds.
2. Adaptability: Faced with the rapid evolution of technologies and new means of communication, adaptability allows us to monitor, anticipate, and capitalize on these transformations. Incorporating digital tools into organizations’ working methods perfectly illustrates an adaptation strategy in the face of the rapid evolution of our society.
3. Critical Thinking: Knowing how to analyze information and make informed decisions is essential in a world where information circulates massively. In Africa, this skill allows you to seize the right opportunities and develop innovative strategies to address complex problems.

An essential balance

To thrive in Africa, a balance between hard skills, soft skills, and, above all, smart skills is essential. While technical skills allow you to stand out, smart skills enable you to meet the continent’s challenges. Combining these skills will help you become an agile and innovative leader, capable of anticipating developments and succeeding in a constantly changing environment.

The next step for you:

1. Identify your gaps: What are you lacking? Interpersonal skills, technical skills, or the art of navigating complex environments?
2. Set a progression plan: Identify the skills to prioritize and define clear objectives for your progress.
3. Book a session with an Entourage expert: Our experts are here to help you develop your smart skills. Whether it’s to strengthen your emotional intelligence, increase your adaptability, or refine your critical thinking, Entourage offers the necessary expertise.