Is your ability to switch between thinking about two different concepts, and to think about multiple concepts simultaneously. How quickly can you move between creative and mathematical thoughts? Or customer service to quantum physics?
How do you flex your cognitive muscles? By learning new things and in particular, learning things completely outside your normal areas of interest, whether that be another language, musical instrument, or astronomy
Is the capacity to solve novel, ill-defined problems in complex, real-world settings. Which simply means, the ability to solve problems you’ve never seen before, seeing the big picture, zeroing in on minute details, and being able to work out what to do to move towards, or achieve, a solution
According to some studies, your problem-solving skills can be improved by playing video games; which bodes well for our children!
By learning to coordinate your worldly activity and interactivity with the actions and perspectives of others, you reap your own development benefits
Social skills and collaboration are crucial in any work environment and this is where you shine in an automated, robotic world. ‘Such non-routine interaction is at the heart of the human advantage over machines’ a WEF report explains
Is the phenomenon whereby something new and somehow valuable is formed. The created item may be intangible or a physical object
It’s more than painting a picture or making a clay pot. It’s being able to throw ideas together, connecting dots as you go, presenting something new
To develop your creativity, take time to let your thoughts wander; this works particularly well when you’re tired and your brain is less inhibited
Is the analysis of facts to form a judgment. The subject is complex, and several different definitions exist, which generally include the rational, sceptical, unbiased analysis, or evaluation of factual evidence
In essence, it’s your ability to assess an issue or problem, consider various solutions, and weigh up the pros and cons of each approach
The great news is, every time you learn or do something new, you’re honing your critical thinking skills
Is the ability to understand, use, and manage your own emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathise with others, overcome challenges and defuse conflict
To improve your emotional intelligence, ask more questions, become mindful of your perspective and any bias, flip your thinking backwards – what comes first, the chicken or the egg, and think through the impact of anything you do before you do it
The ability, capacity, or faculty to make considered and effective decisions, come to sensible conclusions, perceive and distinguish relationships, understand situations, and form objective opinions especially in matters that affect action
To improve your decision-making skills. Do your research and only consider viable options. Don’t sweat the small stuff; Steve Jobs wore the same outfit every day, to take away an unimportant decision. And maybe most importantly, don’t dwell on anything you get wrong
Dialogue between two or more people or parties, intended to reach a beneficial outcome over one or more issues, where a conflict exists with respect to at least one of these issues
Choosing which movie to watch with your spouse or getting your child to eat their greens can be as challenging as asking for a pay rise or a piece of business
To become a powerful negotiator, practice working hard to make sure everyone walks away satisfied
The process of training, motivating and directing colleagues in order to optimise workplace productivity and promote professional growth
Humans are creative, good at reading each other, and able to piggyback off each other’s ideas and energy. But being human also means we can get sick, demotivated, and distracted
Being a great manager has a lot to do with emotional intelligence, knowing how to delegate, and developing your own management style
The predisposition to being helpful, thoughtful, considerate, and cooperative; and a willingness to treat colleagues and clients with courtesy, consideration, and tact, combined with the ability to perceive a customer’s needs, and communicate effectively
In short, the ability to actively look for ways to help people
It’s important to step into your customer’s mind and think about what they value, fear, and dislike, to enable you to develop products and services people can fall in love with