Seven key qualities your child will need to succeed in a post-Covid world according to local CEO

As parents, especially of young adults in their final years of high school or university, it has been an anxious time. 

The Covid-19 pandemic has profoundly disrupted their lives. 

Crucially, the crisis is disproportionately affecting their generation and driving up our country's already alarming youth unemployment statistics. 

Since South Africa's future is dependent on the collective contribution that our children are going to make to society, it's important to address issues related to their education and futures right now. 

But to positively contribute to their country, our youth need to be enabled and empowered. 

So, what can we teach our children about navigating the future amid the unknowns?

It turns out, quite a bit. 

This question was tackled by more than 60 university students from Cape Town (UCT), the Western Cape (UWC) and Stellenbosch (US) who participated in Coronation Fund Managers virtual youth day event. 

The students were able to talk out their views and concerns the CEO of Coronation Fund Managers, Anton Pillay, who in turn gave them support and advice on how to manage their studies and careers. 

Pillay also shared his top tips on how to navigate through this stressful time of lockdown and uncertainty. 

His message to students was simple: "It is easy to fall behind during lockdown. But the time can also be used to get ahead. The choice is theirs. In every crisis in history, people have had a choice between becoming victims of their situations or taking control of their destinies. As parents, we can help by instilling the right qualities in our children that will be of value to them in future. 

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It all comes down to tapping into the right skills.

Pillay shared these seven qualities, which could stand our children in good stead in navigating the unknowns during challenging times. 

1. Resilience 

Resilience is about mental fortitude and managing risk while looking for opportunities. 

2. Adaptability 

Only try to control what you know and don't succumb to anxiety about the unknowns. 

3. Resourcefulness 

Think differently and stretch your mind in terms of how you approach activities. 

4. Self-discipline 

Maintain some structure in your life and never stop learning.

5. Empathy

Be caring and responsible in the way you deal with those around you.

6. Curiosity 

Curiosity is absolutely key to success - it encourages you to learn, respond and thrive. 

7. Optimism 

Nothing comes easy, but if you remain committed and you seek out the possible, you will succeed.

You must have the courage to follow through on what is necessary and to adopt meaningful changes. 

What are the lessons you are teaching your kids right now about keeping a positive attitude despite challenges? 

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