Over the past ten years I have had the good fortune to visit over 150 different workplaces.
Despite our obsession with standardisation, not one workplace is the same as the other, yet there are some common features.
One of the more useful tools that is common to many workplaces is the ‘Skills Matrix’.
As you head into the production area you often see it lurking beside the doorway. A list of names down one side and a list of tasks along the top with a variety of colour coded magnetic dots denoting roughly who can do what.
The skills matrix serves many purposes:
- It clearly shows where the capability lies, allowing the efficient running of the business
- It demonstrates areas of relative strength and weakness, in individuals, teams and work areas.
- It encourages workplace flexibility and cross-functional working
- It provides a goal for individuals to improve their personal ‘brand’ and reward
- It guides your training and development plans
- It can chart your team development progress
- It enables team skills balancing
- It will help you determine optimum crew numbers
Sounds pretty good right?
There is, however, a glitch in the matrix.
In my experience, the development of each matrix in each business is largely an internal affair. While this may serve the purpose, there will be strengths and weaknesses in each layout.
Where some may be clear, they may forfeit the requisite detail. Where others may be ‘all-encompassing’ they may be as confusing as an Escher Painting.
Just Google ‘Skills Matrix’ and see for yourself?
So, is there such a thing as ‘The perfect Skills Matrix’? Perhaps not, but there is great value in looking at a range of approaches adopted across industries and picking out what works and what does not!
At Industry Partners Australia, we will be doing just that in February 2021.
For further insights into this topic, Industry Partners Australia members will be sharing their experiences on 2nd February 2021 in our online event Management of the Skills Matrix.
Not a member, but interested? Please contact us via our Industry Partners Australia website.
.png)
