Life in the Fast Lane -- Skills for Survival

I often read that the sage old advice -- "Get a good education and get a good job" -- is outdated. More often than not, the person decrying this advice is promoting entrepreneurism, or has felt the devastating insecurity of the current job market. The reality is that they are experiencing the impact of "life in the fast lane."


What is needed in the current environment is a fundamentally different set of skills to keep up in the fast lane. We are living in a "continuous learning" environment, so what is needed is adaptive skills that enable you to learn at the speed of the traffic if you want to travel in the fast lane.

Here is a view of the fundamental skills required in the 21st century. These don't relate specifically to earning a college degree, or other formal certification. Even with a degree, if you haven't mastered these skills, you will find yourself falling behind.

Communication Skills

• Read With Understanding
• Convey Ideas in Writing
• Speak So Others Can Understand
• Listen Actively
• Observe Critically

Decision-Making Skills

• Solve Problems and Make Decisions
• Plan
• Use Math to Solve Problems and Communicate

Interpersonal Skills

• Cooperate With Others
• Guide Others
• Advocate and Influence
• Resolve Conflict and Negotiate

Lifelong Learning Skills

• Take Responsibility for Learning
• Learn Through Research
• Reflect and Evaluate
• Use Information and Communications Technology

Equipped for the Future is an organization that studies the skills adults need to thrive in the 21st century. Their study tells us that without certain basic skills, survival will be extremely difficult.