Wagner (2008) suggested seven skills after meeting with several hundred business,
nonprofit, philanthropic, and education leaders such as Dell, Siemens, and Apple. In order
to thrive in the new world, the next generation should master the following skills: (a)
critical thinking and problem solving, (b) collaboration and leadership, (c) agility and
adaptability, (d) initiative and entrepreneurialism, (e) effective oral and written communication,
(f) accessing and analyzing data, and (g) curiosity and imagination. Asking the
right questions and the ability to take risks and experience failure are examples of some of
the subskills defined under these seven skills. These skills are seen as invaluable in raising
the next generation who might hold a position of decision-making related to social,
economic, cultural, and political issues.