Many felt this would be the driving force behind several trends in coming years. The skill most sought after, according to an overwhelming majority of those polled, is a worker's ability to adapt quickly to change, ranking well above high-tech skills and leadership. The workplace is changing rapidly. Organizations need to find adaptable people. However, Rudd Johnson, senior vice president of human resources for Bear Creek Corp., Medford, Ore., felt leadership skills are most critical.
Leadership skills are always in short supply.
The need to find leaders is tied to the very future of a company. There are a lot of people who are technically savvy, but leaders are tough to find. Just 14 percent of survey respondents agreed with Johnson on the importance of leadership skills. Another 14 percent felt high-tech skills are what workers need to hone continually.