Recent polling of U.S. managers and executives uncovered that the following four competencies are important for employee success, should be a priority within their organizations and that employees should be measured in these skills.  They are:

Critical Thinking  — ability to solve problems, make decisions and take appropriate actions

Communication — ability to synthesize and transmit ideas in both written and oral form

Collaboration and Team Building — ability to work with others including those with opposing points of view

Creativity and Innovation — ability to see what’s NOT there and make something happen

Source:  2012 Critical Skills Survey, AMA and published by Society for Human Resource Management

Other findings:  Managers thought it was easier to develop these skills in students and recent graduates than in experienced workers suggesting that students and recent graduate may be more open to new ideas than experienced workers with established work patterns and habits.

If you are an “older” worker, take a look in the mirror and be sure you are open to new ideas, change and continuous learning!

Another finding:   68% of CEOs say fostering a skilled workforce should be a top government priority, but only 3% think government has been effective in doing so.