THE GUIDE
Skills matrix: how to map your team’s skills and close the gaps
A skills matrix (or competency matrix) lists the skills your team needs down one side and the people across the top, with a simple rating in each box. In ten minutes it shows which skills only one person has, which nobody has, and who could train whom.
The 0–4 scale
- 0: has not done it.
- 1: learning, needs a lot of help.
- 2: can do it with some help.
- 3: does it well on their own.
- 4: expert who can teach others.
What to do with the results
- A skill with nobody at 3 or above is a gap: train someone or plan to hire.
- A skill with only one person at 3+ is a single point of failure. Pair them with a learner before their next holiday.
- People at 4 make great trainers. Teaching also helps them grow.
- Ask people what they want to learn, and use that before choosing who to train.
Skills matrix example
- Customer calls
Priya 4, Marcus 2, Jen 3, Sam 1: covered, pair Priya with Sam
- Reporting
Only Priya at 3+: single point of failure
- Data analysis
Marcus 3, nobody else: train Jen (level 2)
Frequently asked questions
Yes, as a starting point. Send the edit link, let everyone rate themselves, then talk through any big differences in one-on-ones.
Start with 5 to 12 skills or tasks that really matter. Too many and nobody keeps it up to date.
Usually at least two, so work continues when someone is away. Set the “need” number for each skill and the matrix checks it for you.
Yes. Download the CSV and open it in Excel or Google Sheets.
One-minute lessons on this
TOPIC 44Why being the only one who knows how isn’t job security
TOPIC 29The colleagues you always turn to, and what it costs the rest
TOPIC 22Why fixing mistakes too quickly can hold your team back
TOPIC 08The delegation mistake that keeps you overloaded
TOPIC 43