The survey was carried out with 1,100 HR/L&D professionals in 15 countries, in addition to 20 thousand employees from large global organizations
Harvard research reveals that, in the age of artificial intelligence, communicating well continues to be the biggest advantage.
With the dizzying changes in theyoung beginners and professionals with extensive experience share a common concern: what skills will they need to develop? After all, the skills needed today may no longer be required tomorrow. Many professions will disappear or transform.
Every day news emerges that activities such as lawyers, architects, engineers and doctors will cease to exist or, at least, will undergo profound transformations. Regardless of technical knowledge, to ensure employability or venture out as an entrepreneur, what do you need to know and which skills will be fundamental in this process?
A broad search
A Business Publishing Corporate Learning released an important study in May 2024 showing that communication is the key competency of contemporary leadership. The survey was carried out with 1,100 HR/L&D professionals in 15 countries, in addition to 20 thousand employees from large global organizations. It is a comprehensive survey, whose data serves as guidance for the future of careers.
Other recent reports confirm the same result: whatever profession someone may pursue, communication remains at the top of the essential attributes for professional success.
The oldest book on public speaking
As president of the NGO Via de Acesso, which works to train and include young people in the job market, this has been our focus for many years: preparing those who are starting their careers so that they know how to express themselves competently, whether speaking or writing. This knowledge offers them a solid foundation, whatever path they choose to follow.
The curious thing is that knowing how to communicate has always been fundamental over the centuries. Already in the 5th century BC, Corax and Tísias wrote the oldest known work of oratory, Technical. The book has not physically reached our days, but is cited by Cicero and Plato. Citizens had been expelled from their land and, upon returning, had to prove that they were the true owners. They had to give an oral argument. The work taught how to argue and organize the defense.
The communication bible
In the 4th century BC, the oldest oratory treatise that has come down to us was published: Rhetorical artby Aristotle. In the year 75 of our era, Quintilian gathered everything that had already been written and produced Oratory institutionsin twelve volumes. It is considered the Bible of communication.
In all these works, the thesis coincides with that of the Harvard research: communication is essential for a successful career. The century comes and the century comes and professional skills don’t undergo as many changes, especially when it comes to communication.
Companies did not encourage
Five decades ago, when I began my activities as a public speaking teacher, organizations did not encourage their employees to learn the art of public speaking. When they received a request, they almost always responded that they already knew how to speak and that attending this type of course was a waste of time and money.
Today, one of the first skills assessed is communication. Many companies invest in the development of public speaking throughout their management team. They know that, when presenting themselves in public, the organization is also being evaluated. If they don’t speak well, the company could be poorly represented.
Depends more on communication
Furthermore, as professionals move up the hierarchy, they increasingly need communication and not just technical knowledge. Therefore, they encourage their leaders to improve this skill. It’s a learning that never ends. It is always necessary to adapt to new ways of expressing yourself.
Even in times ofalgorithms and instant communications, continues to be the word spoken with clarity, emotion and purpose that distinguishes those who just talk from those who truly lead.
It doesn’t matter what activity the professional chooses. In the near future, and sooner than you imagine, if there is a change in your work, among all the skills you will need, the art of expressing yourself well will continue to be among the most relevant. Follow on Instagram: @polito
*This text does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Jovem Pan.
