A skills matrix takes you one step above simple skill gap analysis. While the latter tells you the gaps in an individual team member’s skillset, a matrix allows you to visualize an entire team’s skill status simultaneously. As a result, you can see how skills work in a group.

Finding the skill gaps present in your teams is just the first step. Overcoming them means looking at an all-inclusive picture and acting accordingly. A skills matrix supports you in this process by:

• guiding the allocation of resources for training and development as per business needs.
• supporting your organization in succession planning using training programs.
• informing the need for hiring new people vs. training the existing ones.
• balancing skill sets present and needed within teams for great performance.

But we did a skills gap analysis!

There’s more to skills on your team than just “gaps.”

Skill gaps are the most common issue we speak of because more skills = more performance, right? That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Skill issues also show up as underutilization of highly developed abilities. The other side is an overload of important skills that are not sufficiently developed. 

These issues show up more accurately when you visualize the whole team at once with their goals in mind. Otherwise, they hide behind the scenes in individual scorecards.

Both of these are signs of misunderstanding between your employees and your strategic plans.

Risely’s free skills matrix template considers important factors like a team member’s proficiency in a skill and the level of interest they display to ensure that your skill development practices don’t feel disconnected and superimposed on others. Instead, it empowers you to develop a skills base for the team collaboratively.

Start by downloading your copy of the skills matrix template today!