As business technologists, we know the power technology has to transform our organizations. With the rapid adoption of new and disruptive technologies In 2011, leadership across all industries began to realize this as well. 

The Consumerization of IT, Big Data, Cloud Computing and the explosion of mobile and social technologies in the enterprise are just a few of the leading tech trends that have kicked off a hiring frenzy for hard-to-find tech specialists.

Beyond possessing the specific tech skills in high demand, such as mobile, HTML 5, .Net, and cloud technologies (Source: 2012 Technology Outlook Report), having the right mindset is increasingly important for your success in 2012.

Here are the top 4 soft skill-sets to consider as you map out your talent plan for 2012:

1. Business Fluency: New technologies require an IT department that is fully integrated into the flow of the business. The IT pro of the future will be fluent in the language of business - able to talk to the company's bottom line alongside any marketing or sales executive. The new state of business, in which the average employee relies increasingly on technology, will require it.
2. Adaptability: The old school software implementation took years, cost millions and was completed come hell or high water. The new school software implementation will be completed within weeks or months on pennies-to-the-dollar, and may be dropped if it proves to be a bad fit or something better comes along. So if the traditional hire can be characterized as a rigid perfectionist, the new hire needs to be someone that can go with the flow of business needs. The new IT hire needs to accept that the implementation requires continual iteration.
3. Social and Tech Savvy. Tomorrow's IT pro is tech-enabled and tech-dependent. In addition, they will function within a communication landscape in which hierarchy has all but disappeared. Employees from all departments and customers are talking to each other 24/7 in real time through every possible channel.
4. Collaborative Outlook. Though we think of great innovators as individuals, the reality is that innovation in business is a collaborative process. This is even more true as social media and other technologies continue to break down departmental silos. The “just Google it” generation thrives in IT systems that facilitate collaboration to be more effective in their jobs.

What does this mean as you consider staffing your IT department for 2012?
Its no big surprise that the market is hot for IT Pros. With a flood of disruptive technologies in the market, there has been a shift in hard skills and soft skills needed to manage these new technologies. Companies are seeking IT Staff to help deliver on their strategic technology projects. For a full view of the tech trends affecting the workforce, download the 2012 Technology Outlook.