Stocktake your skillset for 2025

In our recent article on working your way up to the c-suite, we highlighted the need to build skills and knowledge around your profession and your industry. Whether you’re aiming that high, or just want to keep your career progressing it’s important that you keep learning and developing. In fact, even if you’ve reached your own personal ceiling, you need to work on your skills and knowledge or you will start to underperform and go backwards.

Our upcoming NZ skills report will give definitive advice on the skills you require and how to improve them. In the meantime, there is never a bad time to take stock of where you’re at and how you can look to refresh a few things.

There are many different formats, platforms, and channels available in New Zealand to work on various aspects of your skillset. And indeed, anything that simply improves you as a person is going to help you move forward. .

So where do you start?

Use your organisation’s resources

The most obvious place to begin is with the internal training your organisation offers. In this year’s Hays NZ Salary Guide it was clear how important learning and development has become to most employees.

When NZ employees were asked what would persuade them to move jobs, three of the top five reasons were linked to learning and development. A pay increase was predictably most important to people, but second was learning or developing technical skills – even ahead of the ability to work flexibly. Learning or developing soft skills and then digital skills followed these.

But while that might be the case when asked in a survey, when it actually comes to doing training, the attitude can often be that ‘there isn’t enough time’ or that ‘it’s getting in the way of working’. If you can change your attitude and get on the front foot with internal training, then it is a blessing. You are being paid, in part, to improve yourself and your effectiveness for your organisation. You make yourself more valuable. So, seek out what’s available and certainly don’t try to avoid it.

What does your profession or industry offer?

There is also a chance that your organisation will offer financial assistance and perhaps even time off to study for qualifications which improve your abilities. This can range from TAFE courses to MBAs, and all manner of courses on offer by New Zealand’s industry bodies.

Even if there isn’t a qualification involved, there may be seminars, webinars or workshops that will improve your skills base. Talk to colleagues and keep an eye on industry websites and publications to see what is coming up. Within reason most organisations in New Zealand will meet costs for these courses if they think it will improve your effectiveness as an employee.

Find your skill gaps and fill them

It may be worth pointing out at this stage, that to improve your skills, refresh them, or gain new ones, then you need to know what skills you have and which you are lacking. And that isn’t always as easy and obvious as it sounds.

Everybody believes that they have self-awareness, but that’s really not the case. Even with people who are self-aware, there are always blind spots. Taking an online test is one way of looking at your skills in an objective way but having them assessed by other people is even better.

There are several skills assessments that you can take online by answering a few questions, but a 360-degree process is often the best way to proceed. In a 360-degree assessment you answer several questions about your ability, these questions are then answered by a peer, by somebody who reports to you and by somebody that you report to. This gives an all-round picture of how effective you are in any number of situations.

A word of warning – it can be painful. The pain comes from that gap in awareness. Self-aware people will usually know what sort of feedback they are going to get, but others may experience a sting to their pride. It’s worth it if it helps you improve though.

Become a nerd for your profession or industry

While this advice is predominantly about refreshing your skills, that tends to go hand in hand with improving your knowledge. No one exists in a vacuum and the skills you learn need to be applied in a real-time and real-life sense. You need to partner them with information to be the most effective. So, get learning.

To stay informed about your industry or profession, there are various formats, platforms and channels available. Industry-specific publications (magazines, journals, blogs and newsletters) can be reliable sources for in-depth analysis and trends. Websites like LinkedIn and (or Threads/BlueSky) allow you to follow thought leaders, join groups and participate in conversations relevant to your field.

For real-time updates, consider subscribing to RSS feeds from trusted blogs or news sites. Podcasts are another convenient option for learning on the go, with experts often discussing the latest developments in your profession. Networking through conferences, meetups, or professional associations helps you connect with peers and gain insights into industry trends. Finally, engaging in online communities (such as Reddit or niche forums) fosters collaborative learning and exchanges of ideas.

Soft skills more important than ever

Soft skills refer to a set of personal attributes and interpersonal abilities that enable individuals to work effectively and harmoniously with others. These skills encompass communication, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, emotional intelligence, leadership, and conflict resolution. Unlike hard skills, which are job-specific technical abilities, soft skills are transferable across various roles and industries.

In today’s rapidly changing world, soft skills are more important than ever. As automation and artificial intelligence continue to handle repetitive tasks, human workers must rely on emotional intelligence, creativity and collaboration – areas where machines and bots fall short. Employers increasingly value soft skills because they enhance team dynamics, foster innovation and improve customer relations. In the modern workplace, where remote work, diversity, and global connectivity are the norm, strong soft skills are critical for effective communication and maintaining positive relationships.

Improving soft skills can be done through a combination of self-awareness, practice and feedback. Active listening, for example, can be honed by giving undivided attention to others during conversations. Regularly seeking feedback from colleagues or mentors helps identify areas for improvement. Taking on leadership or team roles in group projects fosters teamwork and problem-solving abilities. Additionally, participating in workshops, reading self-help books, or even engaging in mindfulness practices can enhance emotional intelligence, resilience and adaptability.

And work on being a better person

Simply trying to become a better person can significantly enhance your effectiveness at work by improving key traits like emotional intelligence, empathy and resilience. When you focus on personal growth, you become better equipped to handle stress, communicate clearly, and collaborate effectively with colleagues. A positive, open mindset fosters stronger relationships and trust, which are essential for teamwork and problem-solving. Additionally, improving your character helps you become more self-aware and accountable, qualities that are highly valued in any professional setting.

To improve, start with self-reflection. Regularly assess your strengths and weaknesses, and actively seek feedback from others. Practice empathy by listening to your colleagues and understanding their perspectives. Building resilience through mindfulness or stress management techniques can help you stay calm and focused on challenging situations. Set personal goals for kindness, patience and integrity, and actively work on these attributes. By consistently striving for personal growth, you'll naturally become more effective and valued in the workplace.