Why is it Worth Developing Competencies Today? – The Leaders of Tomorrow are Building Their Foundation Now
We live in a world where technology is changing faster than ever. Artificial Intelligence, Hybrid Work, and Lifelong Learning aren't just trends—they are already part of our present. School performance and degrees are no longer enough: the development of competencies, an openness to learning, and adaptability have become the main characteristics of the most successful young people. Soft skills, meaning personal and social competencies, are at least as important as professional expertise. But what does this mean, and why should you start dealing with it today?
What is a Competency?
A competency is a combination of knowledge, skill, attitude, and behavior that enables the successful completion of a task. Competency doesn't just mean you know something. It also means you know how to apply your knowledge in real-life situations and you have the right attitude for it. For example: preparing a presentation requires not only PowerPoint knowledge but also communication skills, self-confidence, time management—in other words, a complex competency system. Leadership competencies include, among others, communication, problem-solving, autonomy, teamwork, self-reflection, or even conflict management. Developing these is not only advantageous in the job market but also has a positive effect on individual quality of life.
Why is Leadership Competency Development Important?
According to the World Economic Forum's (2023) "The Future of Jobs Report 2023", the most sought-after competencies in future workplaces include critical thinking, creativity, resilience, and emotional intelligence. Research shows that young people who actively work on developing these find jobs more easily and advance faster in their careers.
A Harvard Business Review article states that self-reflection and self-awareness are competencies that help integrate other skills and knowledge elements. Leaders who are authentic and aware of their own reactions manage conflicts better and can lead teams more effectively.
How Can Leadership Competencies Be Developed?
The question may arise: how can leadership competencies be developed? It is important to emphasize that these are all skills that can be learned and developed to a certain extent! You don't have to be a "born leader" to become a good one.
- Seek Challenges – Take on a role in a student organization, a competition, or project work. These are "real-life" simulations.
- Learn Reflectively – Keep a journal about what you learned from a difficult situation.
- Ask for Feedback – To grow, you need to know what others see. Good feedback = a gift!
- Utilize Online Courses and Workshops: Numerous platforms are available to help develop competencies. The leadership and soft skill courses on Coursera, edX, or FutureLearn offer excellent opportunities.
As a leader, you are sure to make mistakes, so it's natural that you can make mistakes even before your leadership position.
Your Future Starts Today
If you develop yourself today, tomorrow you won't just adapt to changes—you will be the one driving them. Don't just study, develop yourself! Leadership is not about leading others, but about leading yourself!
What are you doing to develop your leadership competencies?
Written by: Dr. Norbert Sipos, assistant professor