Power Skills in 2026: The Essential Human Abilities Driving HR Success

In an era where artificial intelligence is reshaping the workplace, the spotlight is shifting from routine tasks to uniquely human capabilities. At McPherson Berry, we recognize that what were once called "soft skills" are now rebranded as "power skills" — essential competencies like emotional intelligence and creativity that AI can't replicate.

These skills empower HR professionals to lead strategic initiatives, foster innovation, and build resilient teams. As we navigate 2026, understanding and developing power skills is crucial for HR leaders to drive organizational growth amid rapid change. This blog post dives into what power skills entail and outlines the specific ones every HR professional — and the workforce they support — needs to thrive.

Understanding Power Skills: Why the Rebrand Matters

Power skills represent a paradigm shift, emphasizing the human advantage in a tech-driven world. Unlike technical skills that AI can automate, power skills focus on interpersonal, cognitive, and adaptive abilities that enhance collaboration, decision-making, and leadership.

Experts highlight that these skills are vital as AI handles more operational work, allowing humans to excel in areas requiring empathy, ingenuity, and influence.

For HR professionals, mastering power skills means transitioning from administrative roles to strategic partners who cultivate these abilities across the organization, boosting engagement and performance in uncertain times.

Key Power Skills for HR Professionals in 2026

Based on emerging trends, here are the top power skills HR leaders should prioritize. These are drawn from industry insights and are essential for fostering a dynamic, AI-augmented workforce.

1. Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

Emotional intelligence involves recognizing and managing one's own emotions while empathizing with others. In 2026, EQ is paramount for HR to navigate complex employee relations, mediate conflicts, and build trust in hybrid teams.

For instance, HR pros with high EQ can better support mental health initiatives and create inclusive environments, directly impacting retention and productivity.

Development tip: Engage in coaching programs to practice self-awareness and active listening.

2. Adaptability and Resilience

With regulatory shifts and technological disruptions on the rise, adaptability allows HR to pivot strategies quickly, while resilience helps maintain composure under pressure.

These skills enable HR to lead through ambiguity, such as implementing new AI tools or restructuring teams.

In practice, adaptable HR professionals can reskill workforces effectively, turning challenges into opportunities for growth.

To build this: Encourage experiential learning and scenario planning in your daily routines.

3. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving

Critical thinking involves analyzing information to make informed decisions, while problem-solving applies this to real-world issues. HR needs these to forecast skills gaps, design equitable policies, and mitigate risks in compliance-heavy landscapes.

As AI provides data insights, HR's role is to interpret them strategically, ensuring human elements aren't overlooked.

Enhance these skills through workshops on data literacy and collaborative brainstorming sessions.

4. Communication and Influence

Effective communication — both verbal and non-verbal — paired with the ability to influence stakeholders, is key for HR to advocate for employee needs and drive cultural change.

In 2026, this means crafting compelling narratives around DEIB initiatives or AI ethics to gain buy-in from leadership.

HR professionals skilled here can bridge gaps between teams and executives, fostering a cohesive organizational culture.

Practice by leading cross-functional meetings and seeking feedback on your messaging.

5. Creativity and Innovation

Creativity fuels innovative solutions, such as redesigning talent development programs or integrating AI ethically. HR must foster this skill organization-wide to stay competitive, encouraging out-of-the-box thinking in recruitment and engagement strategies.

With skills obsolescence accelerating, creative HR approaches can turn upskilling into engaging, personalized experiences.

Cultivate it via brainstorming tools and encouraging experimentation in safe environments.

6. Leadership and Collaboration

Leadership isn't just for executives; HR professionals need it to guide teams through change, while collaboration ensures inclusive decision-making.

These skills help HR orchestrate cross-departmental efforts, like skills-based hiring reforms, and build psychological safety for diverse voices.

Develop through mentorship programs and team-building activities that emphasize shared goals.

7. Continuous Learning and Curiosity

In a fast-evolving field, curiosity drives lifelong learning, enabling HR to stay ahead of trends like AI literacy and regulatory updates.

This skill ensures HR can model reskilling behaviors, promoting a culture of growth.

Start by dedicating time to self-exploration, such as experimenting with new HR tech tools.

Implementing Power Skills in Your Organization

To embed these skills, HR should integrate them into hiring, training, and performance metrics. Use AI for baseline assessments, then focus on human-led development like coaching and feedback loops.

At McPherson Berry, we help clients create tailored programs that blend these power skills with business objectives, ensuring sustainable success.

In conclusion, power skills are the human edge in 2026's AI-dominated landscape. By prioritizing them, HR professionals can elevate their strategic impact and empower teams to excel. Ready to harness these skills for your organization? Check out our catalog for training we can implement for your business or organization. McPherson Berry is here for expert guidance on building a future-ready workforce.