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A montage of a worker doing several things at the same time, as a concept of cross-cutting competencies

All about cross-cutting competencies

The power of who we are

Beyond academic training, the labor market has long been looking for talent among professionals whose skills and knowledge transcend education.

What are cross-cutting competencies?

Cross-cutting competencies are qualities that go beyond a specific field or discipline, i.e., they do not depend exclusively on acquired knowledge but are based on personality and the way in which a person develops.

Acquiring technical and specialized knowledge is essential in the pursuit of professional success. But today's job market is changing. Companies are looking for employees who are not only educated for the position they hold, but who can also adapt to change, solve problems effectively, and foster innovation.

Cross-cutting competencies are increasingly in demand, and it is clear to companies that they are a valuable asset for their employees. The reason for this is the ability of this type of professional competency to improve the productivity, collaboration, and leadership skills of employees, which in turn contributes to personal and organizational success.

Effective communication, teamwork, problem solving, adaptability, decision making, creativity, empathy, time management... Also known as cross-cutting skills or professional competencies, have practical application in a multitude of situations and aspects of life, both personal and professional, and are key to adapting to the needs of today's labor market.

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The Future of Jobs Report 2023

The World Economic Forum's Future of Work 2023 report recognizes, for example, that employers are placing increasing value on cognitive skills, i.e. those related to knowledge and understanding information, as well as the ability to solve problems and make decisions. The importance of cross-cutting employability skills linked to solving complex problems in the workplace is growing, and analytical thinking and creative thinking are considered to be the most important skills for workers in 2023. Moreover, it is believed that this will continue to be the trend over the next five years. The study also estimates that, on average, a worker needs to update 44% of their skills and that six out of ten will need professional training by 2027.

Importance of cross-cutting competencies

The importance of cross-cutting competencies lies in the fact that they are transferable, i.e., workers can take these professional competencies with them and use them in a variety of jobs, projects, and circumstances, regardless of their specialization or field of study and job. They are also versatile or, in other words, they are not limited to a specific context or industry, but can be applied and benefit a wide range of work situations and environments.

For example, effective communication - one of the most popular examples of a cross-cutting competency - can be valuable in both healthcare and technology fields. Similarly, the ability to work as a team player can be applied in a business context, in a non-profit organization, or in an academic setting.

The fact that cross-cutting skills are transferable and versatile makes them somewhat like universal tools, important assets for workers, enabling them to adapt to different roles and challenges throughout their careers. They are also highly valued by recruiters because of their ability to enhance performance and effectiveness in a variety of situations.

Examples of cross-cutting competencies

Next, let's look at some examples of cross-cutting competencies, many of which play a key role in the jobs of the future. Adaptability becomes essential in a constantly changing environment, while leadership, problem solving, or resilience are fundamental for tackling the challenges of the future. In this scenario, creativity and critical thinking are key skills for finding innovative solutions, just as effective communication or emotional intelligence are essential for team collaboration or managing relationships and situations.

  1. Resilience
    Resilience is the ability to adapt and rebound from adversity and challenges. In a constantly changing work environment, it is a critical professional competency. Resilient professionals can face difficult situations without falling apart, learn from adverse experiences, and move forward with determination. It is a key skill that helps to maintain a good emotional balance and overcome everyday obstacles.

  2. Critical thinking
    Critical thinking involves analyzing information objectively, questioning assumptions, and making informed decisions. Individuals with cross-cutting critical thinking skills can effectively solve problems and make informed decisions. This quality promotes a logical and analytical approach in the resolution of complex situations, which in turn improves efficiency and effectiveness in the execution of tasks and projects. It is a distinguishing quality for success in any work environment, as it enables people to approach challenges systematically and generate positive results.

  3. Leadership
    Within the cross-cutting competencies for employability, this quality involves the ability to inspire, motivate, and guide others toward a common goal. Effective leaders are able to communicate a clear vision, empower their teams, and foster collaboration. Leadership is a valuable competency for positively influencing a team or an organization as a whole.

  4. Creativity
    It is one of the most promising cross-cutting skills: creativity is the ability to generate new and original ideas. Creative people bring a fresh perspective and innovative solutions to the challenges they face. Creativity is essential in problem solving, in product and service innovation, and in differentiating oneself in a competitive market.

  5. Resolution capacity
    Resolution capacity implies approaching problems with determination and creativity. People with this competency not only recognize obstacles. People with this competency identify problems, develop viable solutions, and implement actions - such as optimizing resources, implementing new technologies and training programs, or establishing synergies, for example - aimed at resolving complex situations, even when technology is not capable of solving them.

Cross-cutting competencies at Repsol

Cross-cutting competencies are, therefore, the basis of a complete professional. At Repsol we are convinced of the potential of these skills and we have a learning model that offers a wide range of resources that will help you grow and develop both professionally and personally. Our team is not only made up of people with technical knowledge, but also professionals with these cross-cutting skills that drive innovation, adaptation, and problem solving. Investing in the development of these competencies can make a difference in any career and the contribution of the employees themselves to the organization.

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