A visual summary of skill, trait and
experience levels, and capacities
3-4 hours
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A large sheet of paper or a whiteboard
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Markers and pens in different colours
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Rulers
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Tape to attach paper
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Sticky notes
What is this tool and what is its purpose and benefit?
The capacity observation matrix organises and clusters information about soft (transversal) and hard (technical) skills, traits, experiences, knowledge and education. It identifies which of these areas are strong and which would benefit from development. Based on this analysis, the main capacity, strength and development areas are defined.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
STEP 5
Take a large sheet of paper or a whiteboard and draw a matrix on it. Add the following levels to the horizontal axis in separate columns: 'High', 'Satisfactory' and 'Development Beneficial'. On the left-hand side, list the areas to be observed and information to be collected, such as soft skills, hard skills, knowledge, characteristics, personality traits and experiences.
Add your soft and hard skills, knowledge, characteristics, personality traits and experiences to the left-hand column. You can list these freely or use information from the outcomes of the other Phase 2 tools and the Phase 1 Self-Dimension tool. Write one item on each sticky note and attach them to paper or a whiteboard. Ensure you include enough items for each topic area.
Once you have added all the items, organise the sticky notes into different columns labelled 'High Level', 'Satisfactory' and 'Requires Development'. Rearrange the sticky notes and add more information until you are happy with the result.
Look at the matrix and note down on your preferred type of document.
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Your main capacity areas.
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Your main strength areas.
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Your main development areas.
Reflect on your key findings. Take these findings with you as you move forward to the next phase of your career development.
Steps for using this tool
Tips and hints for using this tool
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You can return to this matrix to add or rearrange information as you gather more, or you can create a new matrix to analyse your suitability for specific roles.
