Leaders are often not the best in their categories, but they certainly have the biggest capacities. A politician who wins an election may not be the most qualified candidate, but they definitely have a greater capacity to move the people to their side.
It’s the same for a startup founder who secures funding. They may not have the most revolutionary idea, but they’ve clearly mastered the ability to persuade and inspire investors.
These examples show us that capacity will often trump talent.
It’s not just about what you know. It’s about what you can do with what you know. It’s about your ability to learn, adapt, communicate, and influence. In other words, it’s about your capacity.
This is why capacity building is so essential. Unfortunately, much of the advice out there on capacity building is generic, focusing on skills that are, frankly, expected rather than strategic.
In my experience, I’ve seen that there are critical capacities that often get overlooked. However, these skills are essential for anyone who wants to lead, influence, and make a real impact.
So, what are these strategic skills?
- Thinking Well
- Public Speaking
- Writing
- Antifragility
Ready to learn how to build these skills? Take two breaths and let’s begin.
Thinking Well
With information (true and otherwise) bombarding us from every direction, the ability to think well is now a necessity. It’s the foundation upon which we make informed decisions, solve complex problems, and handle the VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) world.
But what does it truly mean to “think well”?
It’s more than just absorbing information. It’s about actively engaging with ideas, questioning assumptions, and forming our own judgments.
Why “Thinking Well” Matters More Than Ever
Unfortunately, many of us fall into the trap of “chauffeur knowledge,” as Charlie Munger calls it. We memorise facts and figures without truly understanding the underlying principles.
We skim the surface, accept information at face value, and jump to conclusions without considering alternative perspectives.
This tendency is exacerbated by our constant exposure to distractions and the pressure to have instant opinions on every topic. Multitasking, social media, and the 24/7 news cycle fragment our attention and make it difficult to engage in deep, focused thought.
Nonetheless, thinking well can impact our lives profoundly. It empowers us to:
- Make informed decisions
- Solve problems effectively
- Uncover truth
Breaking Free From Poor Thinking and Learning to “Think Well”
So, how do we break free from the shackles of superficial thinking and become more discerning individuals? Here are a few key strategies:
1. Embrace Solitude and Focus
As Ed Thorp wisely said, “Where do the ideas come from? Mine come from sitting and thinking.”
Carve out dedicated time for thinking, free from distractions. Thinking is hard, so it’s natural that most people stop as soon as possible.
However, if you stop thinking when most people stop thinking, you’ll come to the same conclusions most people come to.
2. Practice Metacognition
Think about thinking.
Become aware of your thought processes. Pay attention to how you form opinions, make decisions, and solve problems. Ask yourself: What assumptions am I making? What biases might be influencing my thinking? What alternative perspectives am I missing?
This kind of self-reflection can be challenging, but it’s essential for identifying blind spots and improving your thinking skills. Journaling, regular reviews, and discussions with a “thinking buddy” can help you develop this metacognitive awareness.
3. Develop Mental Models
“The more you learn, the more you have a framework that the knowledge fits into.” – Bill Gates.
Mental models are like lenses through which we view the world. They provide frameworks for understanding complex systems, making decisions, and solving problems.
By studying different mental models, you can expand your thinking toolkit and approach challenges from new angles.
Some useful mental models to explore include the Eisenhower matrix for prioritization, the DECIDE framework for decision-making, and the NASA risk matrix for assessing potential problems.
4. Cultivate Emotional Agility
Our emotions play a powerful role in how we think and make decisions.
Emotional agility involves recognizing and accepting your emotions without letting them control you. It’s about understanding how your feelings might be influencing your judgment and learning to handle those emotions effectively.
Practices like mindfulness, self-compassion, and developing a strong emotional vocabulary can help you build emotional agility.
5. Write to Think
“If you’re thinking without writing, you only think you’re thinking.” – Leslie Lamport.
Writing is not just about communicating with others. It’s also a powerful tool for clarifying your own thoughts and deepening your understanding.
When you write, you’re forced to organise your ideas, articulate your reasoning, and confront any gaps in your logic. This process can be incredibly revealing, uncovering insights that might otherwise remain hidden.
So, make writing a regular practice. Start a journal, write blog posts, or simply jot down your thoughts and reflections. The more you write, the better you’ll think.
Writing Online
Everyone has a story to tell, a perspective to share, and a voice that deserves to be heard. And there’s no better place to do this in 2025 than online. That’s why writing online is a critical capacity to develop in 2025.
As David Perrell noted, “Words are the atomic unit of the internet.” They are the building blocks of connection, understanding, and influence in the digital space.
When you write online, you’re not just sharing information; you’re sharing a piece of yourself.
Why Writing Online Matters in 2025
Unfortunately, many people underestimate the power of writing online. They view it as something only professional writers or social media influencers do.
They may dabble in occasional social media posts or write the occasional email, but they don’t fully grasp the transformative potential of consistent online writing.
This oversight is often due to a lack of awareness about the many benefits of writing online. We see it as a means to an end, a way to convey information or complete a task.
We fail to recognise its potential to transform lives, personally and professionally. Beyond these, writing allows you to:
- Amplify your voice
- Build your personal brand.
- Connect with like-minded people
- Clarify your thinking
Learning to Write Online
There’s no need to conform to a specific style or tone when writing online. You can simply let your personality shine through in your words. However, here are a few tips to make the most of writing online:
1. Embrace Your Unique Style
Don’t try to imitate others or sound like someone you’re not. Let your personality, quirks, and humour shine through in your writing.
Authenticity is magnetic. It’s what draws readers in and makes your work memorable. So, relax, be yourself, and let your unique personality flavour your writing.
2. Write About What Matters to You
Choose topics that you’re passionate about.
When you write about things that genuinely interest you, your words will flow more easily, and your passion will resonate with your audience.
Don’t be afraid to explore your curiosities, share your experiences, and talk about subjects that you fancy.
3. Connect With Your Audience
Write with empathy and understanding, considering the needs and interests of your readers.
Put yourself in their shoes and ask yourself: What value am I providing? How can I make my writing helpful, informative, or entertaining?
Remember, writing is a form of communication, and effective communication involves understanding your audience and tailoring your message accordingly.
4. Experiment With Different Formats
Explore various writing styles and formats to find what resonates with you (blog posts, articles, social media updates, stories, poems, etc.).
Don’t be afraid to try new things and step outside your comfort zone. Each format offers unique opportunities for expression and connection.
Perhaps you’ll discover a hidden talent for storytelling, poetry, or even scriptwriting.
5. Practice, Practice, Practice
Just like any other skill, writing requires practice. The more you write, the better you’ll become.
Make writing a regular habit, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day. Consistency is key to developing your skills and finding your voice.
Also, the more you write, the more comfortable you’ll become with expressing your thoughts and ideas.
6. Share Your Work
Start a blog, engage on social media, or contribute to online publications. The more you share, the more you’ll grow.
Putting your work out there can be intimidating, but it’s essential for building an audience and making an impact. Sharing your writing allows you to connect with others, receive feedback, and refine your craft.
Public Speaking
Public speaking.
Just the phrase itself can send shivers down the spines of many. The thought of standing in front of an audience, delivering a message, and potentially being judged can be intimidating, to say the least.
But here’s the thing.
Public speaking is not just about delivering formal presentations or speeches. It’s about communicating effectively in any situation where you’re addressing a group of people, whether it’s a team meeting, a community gathering, or even a casual conversation with friends.
At its core, public speaking is about:
- Connecting with your audience.
- Communicating clearly and confidently.
- Inspiring and influencing.
Why Public Speaking Matters
Many people view public speaking as a specialised skill. Perhaps you’re one of them.
Perhaps you associate public speaking with grand stages, bright lights, and large audiences hanging on to their every word. The truth is, we engage in public speaking more often than we realise.
Whether you’re presenting ideas in team meetings, sharing stories at social gatherings, or expressing opinions in group discussions, that’s public speaking.
However, the potential of public speaking is more than just sharing information with others. Beyond conveying information, public speaking allows you to:
- Lead and inspire
- Build confidence and credibility
- Connect with others on a deeper level
- Develop critical thinking skills
In 2025, public speaking is no longer an optional capacity to build. It’s a fundamental strategic skill for anyone who wants to make a difference, connect with others, and achieve their goals.
How to Develop Your Public Speaking Skills in 2025
Whether you’re speaking to two people or two million, here are some strategies to help you develop your public speaking skills in 2025:
1. Practice, Practice, Practice
The key to becoming a confident public speaker is practice.
Start by speaking in front of a mirror. Go ahead to speak in front of small groups of friends or family members.
Join a public speaking club (if possible), where you can practice in a supportive environment and receive constructive feedback.
2. Know Your Audience
Before you speak, take some time to understand your audience.
What are their interests, needs, and expectations? Tailoring your message to your audience will help you connect with them on a deeper level and ensure your message resonates.
3. Structure Your Message
A well-structured presentation is easier to follow and more engaging for your audience.
Start with a strong opening that grabs their attention, then clearly outline your main points. Use transitions to guide your audience through your message, and end with a memorable conclusion that reinforces your key takeaways.
4. Your Delivery
Your delivery is just as important as your content.
Practice speaking clearly and confidently, maintaining eye contact with your audience, and using gestures and body language to emphasise your points. Record yourself practising to identify areas for improvement.
5. Embrace Storytelling
Stories are powerful tools for capturing attention, conveying emotion, and making your message memorable.
Incorporate stories into your presentations to illustrate your points, connect with your audience, and add a human touch to your message.
Antifragility
Life is rarely a smooth, predictable journey. It throws curveballs, presents unexpected challenges, and forces us to face uncertainty. The ability to adapt and bounce back becomes essential in the face of these constant changes and disruptions.
Nassim Taleb introduced the concept of antifragility which is about improving in the face of volatility, stress, and disorder. It’s about thriving on challenges and using them as fuel for growth.
In an increasingly VUCA world, this skill is a must-have.
Why Anti-fragility is a Must-have Strategic Skill
While resilience is about withstanding shocks and staying the same, adaptability is all about rolling with the punches, embracing change, and finding creative solutions when things don’t go as planned.
Antifragility? That’s a level up!
It’s not just about bouncing back from challenges. It’s about actually getting stronger because of them. Think of it like a muscle that grows when you lift weights. The more challenges you face, the more antifragile you become.
This skill is super important because let’s face it, the world is changing faster than ever. Technology, the economy, and even how we connect – it’s all changing rapidly.
By being antifragile, you can:
- Thrive in uncertainty
- Push your boundaries
- Live a more fulfilling life
How to Develop Antifragility
Ready to become more antifragile in the face of life’s challenges? Here are some strategies to help you on your journey:
1. Plan in Buffers and Redundancies
As Nassim Taleb emphasizes, “Redundancy is ambiguous because it seems like a waste if nothing unusual happens. Except that something unusual happens—usually.”
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Build in buffers and redundancies into your plans, whether it’s having backup savings, diversifying your skills, or creating multiple paths to achieve your goals.
This way, when unexpected events occur (and they often will), you’ll be ready to adapt.
2. Optionality
Instead of trying to predict the future, focus on creating options for yourself.
Explore different possibilities, develop a diverse skill set, and build a network of supportive people. The more options you have, the more adaptable you’ll be in the face of change.
For example, I lost my major freelance writing gig one time and immediately switched to working as an SEO consultant while looking for a new gig. That allowed me to further solidify my skill and now I get as many offers for writing as I get for SEO.
3. Make the Difficult Choices Now
You know the statement, “Easy choices lead to a hard life and hard choices make for an easy life.”
Don’t shy away from challenges or difficult decisions. Embrace them as opportunities to grow and become stronger.
Making the tough choices now, even if they’re uncomfortable, will build your resilience and prepare you for future challenges.
4. Cultivate a Growth Mindset
A fixed mindset is an enemy of antifragility.
Embrace challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. View setbacks as temporary hurdles, not insurmountable obstacles.
Adopt a growth mindset. Use the pain of adversity to fuel your growth and push yourself to new heights.
5. Embrace Discomfort
“Antifragility is beyond resilience or robustness. The resilient resists shocks and stays the same; the antifragile gets better.”
Step outside your comfort zone regularly. Embrace new experiences, challenge your assumptions, and expose yourself to different perspectives.
The more you push your boundaries, the more antifragile you’ll become.
Conclusion
By cultivating the 4 strategic skills we’ve explored – Thinking Well, Writing Online, Public Speaking, and Antifragility – you’ll be well-equipped to thrive in 2025 and beyond.
These skills are not just about acquiring knowledge. They’re about developing the capacity to learn, adapt, communicate, and influence. They’re about becoming a more discerning thinker, a more effective communicator, and a more resilient individual.
So, take action!
Start by focusing on one skill that resonates with you, and gradually incorporate the others into your personal and professional development plan. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and never stop learning and growing.
Now, I’d love to hear from you! What other strategic skills are you looking to develop in 2025? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
