Inspiration for this month’s column came from a recent article written by Amber MacArthur, who spoke at SCCE’s Compliance & Ethics Institute several years ago. I’ve followed Amber for years, often finding her writing to be very interesting. She is well-known in the tech sector and is great at pointing out the good and the bad about technology and other current trends and products.
In September, Amber wrote a piece for her email newsletter entitled, “Breaking up with skills you love.” What she says is incredibly relevant for compliance and ethics professionals who are navigating a rapidly changing profession and environment.[1]
In times like this, as Amber says, “Sometimes we have to say goodbye to the skills we love.” Just like there are certain tasks we routinely perform simply because we get some sort of satisfaction out of doing them, we sometimes seek ways to use skills that are outdated.
Amber cites one expert who thinks that almost half the skills existing in today’s workplace will be irrelevant in 2025. I don’t think I fully agree with that assessment, but the point about needing to continually “upskill” ourselves is valid.
Using skills we are comfortable with is fine if those skills are effective and efficient. But using these skills because they are comfortable is a bad decision, particularly when other skills that are more effective and efficient are available. It’s time to break up.
Put in more blunt terms, I’d rather replace some of my skills than be replaced by someone with skills that I don’t—but should—have.
For compliance and ethics professionals, skills needed for success in today’s environment are different than they once were. It might be data analysis skills that we need to learn, or perhaps it’s how to use applications to place our helpline, code of conduct, and relevant policies. Don’t bring your calculator and a binder of policies to your next meeting. Come prepared with the skills that are vital in today’s environment.
I think I’ll stop using VisiCalc now.
1 Amber MacArthur, “Breaking up with skills you love,” Amber Mac Newsletter (Sept. 19, 2023) https://us3.campaign-archive.com/?u=b8ad2cd69938a603d9fdd8f30&id=e254f75d2c.
[View source.]