Power skills: a chave para o futuro do trabalho
Education and Training

Power skills: the key to the future of work

18 de February, 2026

As the world of work evolves, the skills we value also change. Today, many organizations recognize that power skills are just as essential as technical skills. In this article, we’ll look at these skills and show how companies can support the development of these competencies in their employees.

What are power skills?

Advances in technology and the increased use of hybrid and teleworking schemes have changed the list of skills that companies value most. The power skills which include interpersonal and behavioural skills, are crucial for team dynamics and interaction, although some organizations still ignore them. Several studies claim that companies that combine technical and human skills are more productive and innovative. As technical complexity increases, power skills such as communication and collaboration, become the “glue” that keeps teams productive.

Skills to look for

The World Economic Forum estimates that by 2030, around one billion people will need to be retrained. In this context, 85% of companies plan to prioritize the training of their teams, with 70% anticipating hiring professionals with new qualifications. It is therefore important to identify the power skills to develop in organizations. We highlight some of the most relevant:

1 – Collaboration

The ability to establish constructive and collaborative working relationships between colleagues is essential. Hybrid working makes collaboration more challenging. However, it is fundamental to organizational efficiency, especially when it comes to solving problems and promoting innovation.

2 – Focus on the customer

The ability to identify and implement solutions that improve the customer experience is essential. A good customer experience not only generates loyalty, but also attracts new customers through recommendations and positive feedback.

3 – Continuous personal learning

This competence refers to the ability to acquire new knowledge. Motivation to learn throughout life not only benefits individual development, but also favours the organization’s ability to adapt to a rapidly changing market.

4 – Focus on execution

Employee autonomy in managing responsibilities and challenges allows creative solutions to be implemented with less supervision, increasing organizational effectiveness and agility. Companies that encourage responsibility are more dynamic and adaptable.

5 – Cultural and social intelligence

Understanding the emotions and reactions of others is a skill that is often underestimated. Cultural and social intelligence promotes inclusion and diversity, making teams more cohesive and efficient, which is vital for attracting and retaining talent.

Ways to support the development of power skills

To improve power skills some organizations implement programs focused on developing these skills. Here are some suggestions for promoting the professional – and personal – growth of your employees:

  • Coaching and mentoring: promote mentoring initiatives among colleagues;
  • eLearning: provide employees with online courses, supported by a culture of continuous learning;
  • Lectures and workshops: learn from experts in sessions focused on power skills;
  • Face-to-face training: hold training sessions that encourage interaction;
  • Recognition: value and reward employees who demonstrate good interpersonal skills in different situations;
  • Development plans: create personalized strategies focused on key competencies;
  • Feedback: promote dialog and a feedback policy between management and employees.

In short…

While technical skills are crucial for many jobs and remain very relevant, psychosocial skills are playing an increasingly important role. Power skills such as communication, the capacity for continuous learning and cultural and social intelligence, are gaining prominence and will be decisive for the success of organizations in the future.

Companies must be proactive and create opportunities for the development of these skills, guaranteeing not only organizational success, but also the professional future of each employee.

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