Discovering New Tech Skills in the Workforce
The unexpected skills employees develop while adapting to new technologies.
1Limitations of Traditional Skill Forecasting
Companies invest heavily in predicting the skills employees will need. However, research shows that the most important skills are not the predicted ones, but those that emerge organically during work. For example, at an Italian furniture manufacturer, the head of the varnishing department noticed practical solutions employees developed while working with new machines and integrated them into the workflow.
2What Is the SPOT Method?
SPOT is the practice of managers noticing and valuing the new skills employees develop. This method is a common trait among companies that manage technological transitions most successfully. For instance, at a Swedish firm, gaps in a mixed-reality system led employees to develop programming and troubleshooting skills to teach the 'why' behind the steps.
3Managers' Role in Skill Development
Managers must observe and support the skills employees develop while adapting to new technologies. At an Italian furniture manufacturer, the varnishing department head recognized employees' problem-solving abilities with machines and integrated these skills into the workflow. This highlights the importance of managers supporting continuous skill development.
4Integrating Technology into Work
When new technologies are integrated, employees develop unexpected skills. For example, at a Swedish firm, when automation of a grinding operation failed, the value of human workers' experience and judgment became apparent. This underscores the limits of automation and the importance of human skills.
5Employees Developing Their Own Solutions
Employees overcome the shortcomings of new technologies by developing their own solutions and skills. For instance, at a lock-assembly company, employees developed programming and troubleshooting skills to fill gaps in the mixed-reality system. This demonstrates employees' creativity in adapting to technological change.
6Increasing Systemic Awareness
New digital systems help employees understand how their tasks contribute to the broader production line. For example, at a Swedish firm, operators using a production tracking system began to see how their tasks affected the entire line. This increased their systemic awareness.
7Limits of Automation
Automation may not perform some tasks as well as humans. For instance, an Italian accordion manufacturer suspected a competitor was automating away a skill robots couldn't replicate and chose not to automate that step. This shows automation isn't always the best solution.
8Identifying New Skills
New skills often aren't listed in job descriptions. For example, at a furniture manufacturer, the varnishing department head's 'shop-floor diagnosis and reengineering' skill was a blend of craftsmanship and process engineering. Such skills emerge and are valued during work.
9Empowering Employees
Managers must empower employees to develop new skills. At an Italian furniture manufacturer, the varnishing department head advocated for workflow changes based on employees' observations, creating an environment where their contributions were valued.
10Success Factors in Technological Transitions
Companies that manage technological transitions successfully aren't those with the best skill forecasts, but those where managers notice and support employees' emerging skills. The SPOT method plays a critical role. For example, at a Swedish firm, employees developed new skills to overcome automation's shortcomings.
11The Importance of Skill Development
Skills employees develop while adapting to new technologies help companies gain a competitive edge. For instance, at an Italian furniture manufacturer, employees' practical solutions with machines improved efficiency. This highlights the importance of skill development for companies.
12Moving Forward with the SPOT Method
The SPOT method helps companies better adapt to technological changes. By noticing and supporting employees' new skills, managers can enhance the company's overall skill level. This method provides a critical advantage in industries experiencing rapid technological change.
Original article: Sloan Management Review — Yeni Teknoloji Becerilerini Keşfetme Süreci