How to Run a Skill Mapping Exercise

Skill Mapping Your Way to Freedom

Insight from ChartHop

Companies run a skill mapping exercise to chart out the existing skills of their workforce, team strengths and gaps to plan for future needs.

Let's flip this.

You should run a skill mapping exercise for any company you could join as the operations leader.

By creating a skills map, you gain insights into how the team is structured, where the company prioritizes resources, and where you can step in to provide value.

This way, if you join, you will have a clear set of responsibilities while being flexible enough for the business.

Here's how you can run a skill mapping exercise too:

1. Research and Preparation:

   Understand the industry, the company's position within it, and any strategic moves they've made. Note your own skills and weaknesses. What are you top 1% at in the world?

   
   Before chatting, be sure to have a list of questions that will reveal the current skillset of the team.

   
   These questions could be about the challenges the company is facing, the skills they find most valuable, and the expectations for the role you're considering.
   

2. During the Chat:

   Ask about the team's strengths, the areas they're looking to improve, and how future growth plans.

   
   Be sure to note down the team’s org chart during the chat. If you can have multiple conversations with team members, be sure to do so.
   

3. Assessing the Fit:

   After gathering all this information, compare the company's needs and future direction with your own skills and career aspirations.
   

   Do they align? Are there areas where you can grow? Consider if the company's environment, the role's expected evolution, and the skill development opportunities align with what you're looking for.

If you can grab enough information, try creating a matrix like this. (Obviously not as intense).

With this type of mapping, you’ll be able to work with the hiring manager to clearly lay out your responsibilities, identify business needs and where you can grow.