There are 10 Essential Competencies for 21st Century Business Success.
How Does Your Company Stack Up?
We live in times of unprecedented uncertainty and rapid change. To succeed, companies must master more than just the basics—they need to excel in the key competencies that define 21st-century business success. According to leading business strategists and experts*, there are ten core competencies every organization must cultivate to stay competitive, innovative, and resilient. *World Economic Forum; Harvard Business Publishing
Ready to see how your organization measures up? Use the interactive wheel below to assess your business’s readiness for the future.
Managing Organizational Change
Leadership Development
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
Strategic Decision Making and Problem Solving
Presentation and Public Speaking Skills
Conflict Resolution and Difficult Conversations
Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
Team Dynamics and Collaboration
Coaching and Mentoring Skills
Time Management and Productivity
In an ever-changing business landscape, the ability to excel in these critical areas isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential for survival and growth
Managing Organizational Change - “Adaptability is key. Companies that excel in managing change see a 60% improvement in employee engagement and productivity.”
Source: McKinsey research emphasizes the importance of agility in navigating complex business landscapes(McKinsey & Company).
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion - “Inclusive companies outperform their peers by up to 35%. DEI fosters innovation, better decision-making, and higher employee engagement.”
Source: Harvard Business findings and multiple business studies(Harvard Business).
Presentation & Public Speaking Skills - “Effective communication is foundational. 22% of HR leaders identify communication as crucial for leadership success, especially in hybrid environments.”
Source: TRANSEARCH International, 2023 People Management Insights Report(Transearch).
Emotional Intelligence - EQ drives leadership success. Leaders with high EQ are 2x more effective in engaging teams and fostering a positive work environment.”
Source: Innotrain and Harvard Business findings(InnoTrain).
Coaching & Mentoring Skills - “Mentoring boosts growth. Companies with strong coaching cultures see a 46% increase in employee engagement and development.”
Source: Harvard Business research on the impact of coaching and mentoring(Harvard Business).
Leadership Development - “Strong leadership drives growth. 88% of executives say developing leadership skills is essential for future business success.”
Source: Harvard Business Publishing, 2024 Leadership Development Study(Harvard Business).
Strategic Decision Making & Problem Solving - “Critical thinking leads to results. 75% of executives say effective decision-making is vital for navigating rapid changes and competition.”
Source: American Management Association (AMA), 2020 Critical Skills Survey(InnoTrain).
Conflict Resolution & Difficult Conversations - “Resolve conflicts, boost performance. Teams that handle conflict well see a 67% increase in productivity and collaboration.”
Source: Harvard Business findings on managing workplace conflicts(Harvard Business).
Team Dynamics & Collaboration - “Collaboration is power. High-performing teams are five times more likely to excel when they prioritize trust and collaboration.”
Source: McKinsey insights on team dynamics and network-based structures(McKinsey & Company).
Time Management & Productivity - “Master your time, master your success. Effective time management can boost productivity by up to 25%, crucial in remote work environments.”
Source: JWU College of Professional Studies and productivity studies(JWU College of Professional Studies).
Why These Skills Are Critical
Discover how we can help your organization strengthen these competencies. Learn More.
“I am deeply grateful for James’ substantial contributions to CDG’s leadership development efforts. I can, and do, recommend him highly, and with absolute confidence that he can help other companies that are also intent on developing the leadership capability of their managers and employees.”
Very truly yours,
David L. Malmo, President
Continental Data Graphics - a Boeing Company
"Being at the precipice of the most important role in my career, I sought out James because of his own great speaking abilities. He coached me through some misperceptions I had about myself, and helped build my confidence which allowed me to deliver the most impactful presentation of my life. I am now enjoying that new role thanks in large part to James' valuable coaching. I would highly recommend James Jeffley!"
~Melody Phipps, Deloitte