Thriving in the Future of Work

The workplace is evolving at an unprecedented pace. Automation, digitization, and globalization are transforming industries and redefining roles. With these shifts come inevitable questions: Will my role remain relevant? Do I have the skills to succeed in the future?

If these thoughts have crossed your mind, you’re not alone. Change can be daunting, but it also presents opportunities. Success lies not in resisting change but in embracing it. The Types of Work Model, developed by Drs. Charles Margerison and Dick McCann, offers a practical framework to help you understand your strengths, adapt to evolving trends, and thrive in your career.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

According to the Future of Jobs Report 2025, roles such as AI specialists, data analysts, and UX designers are growing rapidly, while others may face redundancy. This can be unsettling, especially if your current role feels disconnected from these emerging trends.

The good news? While specific roles change, the fundamental activities that define work remain constant. By focusing on these core functions—what humans inherently excel at—you can build transferable skills that ensure adaptability.

The TMS Types of Work Model simplifies this complexity by breaking work into nine universal activities, offering a lens to understand your strengths and align them with emerging opportunities.

Understanding the Types of Work Model

The Types of Work Model identifies nine essential activities present in all industries and roles:

1. Advising: Gathering and sharing information.
2. Innovating: Creating new ideas and solutions.
3. Promoting: Persuading and influencing others.
4. Developing: Testing and refining concepts.
5. Organizing: Structuring workflows and resources.
6. Producing: Delivering outputs efficiently.
7. Inspecting: Ensuring quality and compliance.
8. Maintaining: Sustaining systems and processes.
9. Linking: Coordinating people and tasks for cohesion.

These activities are timeless and independent of specific roles or industries, making them invaluable in navigating career transitions.

Adapting to the Future with the Types of Work Model

Here’s how the Types of Work Model can guide your career journey in an era of rapid change:

1. Understand Your Preferences

Self-awareness is the foundation of career adaptability. Which types of work energize you? Are you drawn to Innovating, where creativity shines? Or do you excel at Producing, delivering consistent results?

For example, individuals with strengths in Organizing and Linking often thrive in roles requiring coordination and efficient workflow management. These transferable skills are highly sought after in industries like supply chain management and project coordination, especially in sectors experiencing rapid growth, such as renewable energy or technology.

Using tools like the Team Management Profile (TMP), you can identify your preferences and strengths, helping you pinpoint career paths where you can excel. This clarity can guide you toward roles that align with your natural abilities while opening doors to new opportunities in emerging fields.

2. Identify Growth Areas

Emerging industries demand a range of skills. Use the Types of Work Model to connect your strengths to growth areas. Here are some examples:

• Advising: Market research, data analytics.
• Innovating: AI development, renewable energy engineering.
• Promoting: Digital marketing, sales strategy.
• Linking: Team leadership, business integration.

By aligning your preferences with these roles, you can proactively identify pathways to success.

3. Bridge the Skills Gap

If your current role doesn’t align with future trends, don’t worry. Change is an opportunity to grow. Begin with small, achievable steps:

• Leverage existing strengths: A teacher strong in Advising could pivot into instructional design, applying their expertise in presenting information.
• Invest in learning: Short courses, certifications, and hands-on projects can help you build relevant skills.

4. Map Your Career Path

Create a roadmap to visualize your career progression. The Types of Work Model can highlight transferable skills, empowering you to explore adjacent opportunities. For instance, a Reporter-Adviser in journalism might pivot into corporate communications, leveraging their ability to gather and present information effectively.

Why This Framework Works

The Types of Work Model remains a trusted tool for career development because it focuses on enduring principles of work. By aligning your strengths with these core activities, you can:

• Feel Confident: Knowing your strengths reduces uncertainty.
• Be Adaptable: Transferable skills simplify career transitions.
• Stay Relevant: Aligning with growth areas ensures long-term success.

Thriving in the Future of Work

The future of work doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By understanding your strengths and applying the Types of Work Model, you can turn uncertainty into opportunity. This framework provides not just clarity but confidence, helping you take control of your career.

As industries evolve, so will the need for unique human contributions. By focusing on what energizes you and staying open to growth, you can thrive in this exciting new era of work.