Perhaps it’s not too much of a stretch to compare the changes that the current workforce is experiencing to the first time that human beings stood upright, writes IndustryWeek (Oct. 23, 2018). This change certainly feels life-altering to employees who have gone from a world where intelligence resided in their own minds to now working directly with intelligence housed in machines.
“
Robotics, Big Data manipulation, machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques are enabling machines to match or outperform humans in a range of work activities, including ones requiring cognitive capabilities. These rapid advances also make it possible for workers to turn over the more analytical tasks to computers and move on to activities that require human intervention, such as resolving problems and managing change,” explains Prof. Richard Crandall, at Appalachian State U.
Where historically there was a strong emphasis on quantifiable capabilities, now it is the softer skills that are needed. Skills such as the ability to work well in teams and being innovative and creative when evaluating problems are at the top of employers lists. The challenge today is to find that person who is proficient at the technical level and can provide leadership. (One study, by the way, found the demand for supply chain professionals exceeds supply by 6 to 1.)
In a recent report by Deloitte, talking about talents that supply chain employees should have, 73% of respondents say it is extremely or very important to have technical competencies. But even more, 79%, say leadership and professional competencies are extremely important. Other skills that are becoming more important are the ability to manage global/virtual teams, the ability to persuade and communicate effectively, and the skills to both lead and develop others.
The good news in all of this is that Millennials have career preferences that exactly align with what is needed. They are looking for challenging work and like being on teams. So when you are talking to your OM students about careers, supply chain management may ideal. Employees are touching the lifeblood of the organization and doing foundation work that is influencing how decisions are made.
We will discuss the challenges of guiding students on the path to critical thinking, the need for lifelong skills and connecting to the real world to make them hirable.