How to choose the RIGHT PEOPLE for your digital transformation (2 simple steps for evaluation)
Change is not only processes, technology and organizational structures – it is very much people too, and it is important that managers have an overview of the employees’ current skillset so reskilling and up-qualification can be planned to secure smooth operations after the change program
A simple tool to provide this overview is the will/skill-matrix that places employees in one of four quadrants based on the managers’ assessment. It is a very simple tool and should only be used as an initial high-level overview, but nonetheless it has proven very valuable to kickstart the employee development process.
In short, the employee is evaluated on the two axes: the current competences (skill) and the motivation for carrying out the task or the change (will)
If the future requirements for the employees’ competences changes from the current requirements, it is advisable to map the skills based on the future requirements to achieve a more future-proof evaluation
The will-axis can be an evaluation of the employees’ motivation or engagement in the current job or it can be an assessment of the employees’ motivation for a future job role. The latter is most relevant if the employee is participating in the change program and the current role is changing with the organizational changes
Based on where the employees are placed in the will/skill-matrix, a series of actions can be considered as next steps for the development of the employees: - Cannot/will not: Employees placed in this quadrant are not motivated to complete their job tasks and they are not evaluated to have the skills for doing so either
An immediate suggestion for employees here would be finding a different job for them where there is a better match. - Cannot/will: These are employees who are motivated to work and engaged in the organization as well as the change programs happening, but does not posses the skills required to do their existing – or future – jobs
These employees are very valuable because of their active and positive contribution to the company culture and should be offered programs to learn the skills required for their existing or future position - Can/will not: In this quadrant are employees who have the necessary competences to fulfill their positions but are not motivated or engaged to do so
The leader must understand the reasons for the lack of involvement and actively work with the employees to create the spark of motivation so they can actively and positively participate in building the organization and culture - Can/will: The company’s stars and most valuable assets are in this quadrant
The can/will employees are the drivers of change and in the forefront of everything that happens in the company. The leaders should pay particular attention to these employees and do their utmost to ensure their growth and future contribution to the building of the new.