How do you assess skills and knowledge gaps within your D&A team?
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Chief Architect - Middle East & Türkiye in Softwarea month ago
I agree with Suzi, and would add another perspective, like analyzing performance data. If you look at project outcomes and past performance reviews, they can provide insights and metrics on areas that need your attention and investment.
Equally important, but often overlooked, is examining employee turnover. Employee satisfaction can sometimes be a trigger for overlooked career development and career pathing. Skills are not the only reason people leave, but the lack of room for development and career growth can contribute. So, I suggest adding historical performance reviews and project outcomes as indicators of the skills your organization needs, plus considering employee turnover.
Partner / Principal in Services (non-Government)a month ago
I would emphasize two things. First, understanding the prior work the team has done is crucial. Delving into their key achievements helps us understand their areas of expertise and the value they bring.Second, we live in an age where skill gaps are constantly evolving due to innovation and technological advancements. Curiosity becomes key here. It's not just about what the team is doing now but also about their forward-thinking mindset and willingness to learn new skills. This mindset is critical when assessing talent within my team or during the hiring process.
Senior Systems Analyst / Team Leader in Government18 days ago
To evaluate skills and knowledge gaps within a Data & Analytics team, I start by lining up with the organization's strategic objectives, then pinpointing the skills needed to meet them. This process includes a combination of self-assessments, peer evaluations, and reviews of actual projects to uncover both individual and team strengths, as well as areas that need improvement. My approach extends beyond technical skills to encompass critical thinking, storytelling, and communication abilities, all of which are essential for converting data into actionable insights. My goal is to ensure the team remains agile, responsive, and equipped to tackle evolving business challenges, t-ransforming every gap into an opportunity for further growth.
Additionally, I implement technical assessments that team members can take through a company portal. These self-assessments help them become self-aware, and they can share the results with me. This way, we can discuss development plans and identify areas for growth.
Part of my strategy also involves creating strategic project teams where a more senior person works with someone less experienced. This pairing helps identify growth opportunities and fosters an environment where people feel safe sharing what they don't know. It's all about positioning these gaps as opportunities for growth. I've found success with this approach, along with targeted mentoring, training, and providing hands-on project opportunities for learning.