Managing a team comes with its challenges, right!? Balancing everyone’s strengths, identifying skill gaps, and ensuring growth can sometimes feel overwhelming. At upleashed, we’ve built skills matrices across a range of industries to make that process easier (best of all they are #free). Whether you’re an experienced team leader or just starting out, a #skillsmatrix can help you create clarity, growth, and progress.

We’ve already built several free skills matrices for key sectors, and we’re adding new ones all the time. Here’s a list of some you can use right now:

• Information Technology & Services Skills Matrix
• Healthcare Skills Matrix
• Pharmaceuticals Skills Matrix
• Banking & Financial Services Skills Matrix
• Retail & Consumer Goods Skills Matrix
• Education & Training Skills Matrix
• Manufacturing Skills Matrix
• Telecommunications Skills Matrix
• Construction & Real Estate Skills Matrix
• Energy & Utilities Skills Matrix
• Transportation & Logistics Skills Matrix
• Automotive Skills Matrix
• Aerospace & Defense Skills Matrix
• Media & Entertainment Skills Matrix

What is a Skills Matrix?

A skills matrix is a simple tool that helps you visualise the skills of your team members and identify where there are gaps. It gives you a clear view of who excels in certain areas and where further development is needed. At upleashed, we believe that skills matrices are key to unlocking your team’s full potential and driving continuous improvement. #skillsmatrix #teamdevelopment #leadershiptools

Why Should You Use One?

Here’s the reality: the default attitude in many workplaces is to focus on the immediate tasks at hand, while downtime rarely gets used for training or development. There’s already plenty of discussion on this, but successful managers and team leaders know that prioritising training can transform a team’s performance. Sometimes, you need to take one step back to go two steps forward. Training isn’t an extra—it’s essential.

A skills matrix helps you:

• Track progress: Stay on top of your team’s development needs and ensure no one is left behind.
• Focus training: Zero in on the areas that need improvement instead of wasting time on irrelevant training.
• Allocate resources: Make sure your best talent is working on the projects where they’re most needed.

#teamdevelopment #managergrowth #skillsmapping

Free Templates to Get You Started

We know you’ve got a lot on your plate, so don’t worry about starting from scratch. There are loads of free skills matrix templates online that you can customise for your team. Most are available in Excel or Google Sheets, so they’re quick to edit and apply.

Here are some great free Excel skills matrices.

#freeresources #teamleader #skillsdevelopment

Customise for Your Team

Each industry is unique, so your matrix should reflect the specific skills and challenges of your field. Whether you’re managing a team in IT, healthcare, or construction, make sure your matrix highlights the skills that matter most to you.

Make It Work for You

Here are a few practical tips for getting the most out of your skills matrix:

• Involve your team: This isn’t just a manager’s tool—engage your team in identifying the key skills they need to succeed.
• Keep it updated: Regularly update the matrix to reflect your team’s growth and evolving skill sets.
• Use it for development: Let the matrix guide training decisions and track progress towards skill development goals.

#continuousimprovement #growthmindset #skillsmapping

First posted on upleashed LinkedIn