By BOB ORNDORFF
The world of work is changing, and the future outlook of many occupations is becoming increasingly uncertain. With the emergence of AI and other technologies, we’re not clear what the workforce will look like in the future. The “typical day” for many jobs and occupations will look different, with AI taking over some job duties. The one constant projected to persist is a set of general workplace skills and competencies that empowers workers to succeed no matter how much their job responsibilities change.
What are these skills and competencies that empower workers to succeed and employers want to see in job candidates? The National Association of Colleges and Employers recently surveyed hundreds of employers and have identified eight Career Readiness Competencies most highly valued by employers and their recruiters: Career & Self Development, Communication, Critical Thinking, Equity & Inclusion, Leadership, Professionalism, Teamwork, and Technology.
I’m sure that many fathers — especially fathers of young children — are wondering how this is relevant for your kids and to your parenting. Well, if you examine these eight competencies more closely, you’ll see that your kids are already starting to develop most if not all of these competencies! One of the most obvious skills is communication.
From very early on, kids’ communication skills are being corrected and praised by parents, grandparents, teachers, speech therapists, and many other adults in their lives. English and writing are two of the most common course topics in school.
Teamwork is another skill that kids begin developing early on, frequently disguised as “playing nice with others” or “sharing your toys.” As kids get involved in youth sports or the performing arts, they begin to experience the importance of being a good team player.
Action Ideas
Identify age-relevant behaviors among your kids that align with the eight career competencies listed above. For example, taking initiative in a school project aligns with leadership, while completing a chore on time is consistent with professionalism. Inviting a neighbor to join in on a kickball game aligns well with equity & inclusion, while producing an impressive PowerPoint presentation shows technology skills.
Intentionally keep an eye out for times when your kids demonstrate a behavior that aligns with one or more of the eight competencies and reinforce such behavior by (age appropriately) pointing out what they did well, and why that’s so important.
For example, when you observe your children working out an issue with a classmate or teammate, compliment them and teach them how important it is in life and in work to effectively manage conflict (i.e., one of the sample behaviors of Teamwork).
Bob Orndorff is the Senior Director of Career Services and an Affiliate Associate Professor in Counselor Education at Penn State who has been involved in the local fathering effort in Centre County for 22 years. In cooperation with the National Center for Fathering, we aim to provide monthly Action Ideas to stimulate conversation among families. To comment on this article, for more information, or to join local conversations, contact Bob at BobOrndorff@psu.edu. To read more, visit www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571382497388
