21/01/2026
❓ Will the Human Edge Triumph Over AI ❓
As we settle in 2026, the pace of technological change will accelerate. I firmly believe, while AI handles most repetitive tasks, it is soft skills that distinguish great leaders from average ones.
Below are five skills to focus on in 2026 as you seek to grow your career:
1. Adaptability 🔄: Markets can change overnight (e.g., global tensions). Therefore, you must develop scenario planning, which results into lifelong learning. This includes anticipating and preparing for multiple possible futures, rather than relying on a single prediction. Develop a weekly "What-if" exercises.
2. Emotional intelligence (EQ) ❤️: With hybrid work becoming more prevalent, empathy is now even more essential. Therefore, you must develop the ability to read nonverbal cues in virtual meetings. You can enhance your connection with remote workers by keeping an active listening skills high.
3. Resilience 💪: Resilience is critical to bouncing back from burnout. You can cultivate resilience by developing habits such as keeping a gratitude journal or practicing five minutes of breath work each day.
4. Collaborative storytelling 📖: Data can catch people’s attention, but a story connects with them. Therefore, you should develop your ability to pitch your ideas through storytelling (e.g., using TED Talk-style presentations) for reports and pitches.
5. Ethical decision-making ⚖️: With emerging issues around ethical conduct with AI, your ethical choices should align with your values. Consider learning from established frameworks such as "principled innovation" (Arizona State University) to help you navigate complex ethical considerations.
These skills provide value that far exceeds their perceived "faff" nature—and, as evidenced by my time as a communication and soft skills trainer for the last two decades, adaptability provided me with opportunities to work on cross-team projects and my EQ led to successful partnerships.
What is your #1 soft skill area of focus for 2026👇