What is a skills matrix?

A skills matrix is a visual tool used to review and analyze the skills of a team for the purposes of a project.

It aims to provide an overview of existing skills and the level of mastery of each team member against the expected level. This allows you to identify at an early stage the areas where skills need to be upgraded in order to deliver your project as planned.

The structure of a skills matrix is very simple. It is a double-entry table containing :

• In the rows, the list of skills needed to achieve your objectives.
• In the columns, the members of your project team.
• An additional column for the level expected for each skill, depending on the needs of your project.

You can then self-assess using a color code to measure the team's overall level in each skill. You will then know exactly whether you already have a sufficient level to move forward, or whether you need to train yourself or bring in outside people.

Why is this method effective?

In project management as in team management, the skills matrix is a very powerful tool for taking stock of the skills you have, and also to:

• Promote transparency: Everyone can see the strengths and weaknesses of the team, which encourages better communication and collaboration.
• Improve your flexibility: By identifying potential gaps, the team can plan training or knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Encourage autonomy: Rather than waiting for external directives, the team takes charge of its own development.
• Facilitate decision-making: When allocating tasks or planning projects, the matrix helps to ensure a better distribution according to the skills available.

Thanks to this structured approach, you can better anticipate training needs and put in place effective action plans.

How to strengthen your collaboration with the Skills Matrix template

1. Preparing the matrix

With this Skills Matrix template, you have a ready-to-use matrix that you simply fill in with your information.

To start, create your version of the template on this page, or directly in your Klaxoon account. Then invite your team to join the Board, by sharing it either by e-mail or via a connection link.

2. Self-assessment

Next, assess your skills as a team, as well as the level expected for each skill in the context of your project. You can do this synchronously or asynchronously:

• Synchronously, launch a Live video conference with your team to complete the matrix together.
• Asynchronously, ask your team to complete the matrix independently before your exchange.

A colour code allows you to visually translate each level of mastery of a skill:

• Expert (green) : Mastery of the skill and ability to train others.
• Intermediate (yellow) : Ability to work independently.
• Basic (red) : Basic notions, but without the ability to work independently.
• Unknown (grey): Unawareness of the skill.

3. Action plan

Using the Skills Matrix template, you can immediately see whether your current team has the level of skills required to make effective progress on your project.

For example, let’s say you need 1 web development expert, 2 people with intermediate-level skills, and 1 person with a basic understanding to support them. 

In the matrix, the line for the ‘Web development’ skill shows you whether you have reached this threshold with the self-assessment level of each participant.

If this is not the case, you can consider several solutions based on the information provided by the matrix:

• Mentoring by people at Expert level to train their colleagues.
• In-house training with people from other teams who are familiar with the subject.
• Training provided from outside your organization.
• On-the-job training to pass on knowledge about a specific action, etc.

Thanks to this Klaxoon template, you have a clear action plan to improve your team's skills and enable them to continue their professional development.