Skill gaps are the differences between the skills you have and the skills you need to achieve your goals. They can affect your performance, your career prospects, and your personal growth. In this article, you will learn how to identify and address skill gaps in your professional development plan, so you can close them and reach your full potential.
The first step to identify skill gaps is to assess your current skills. You can use various tools and methods to do this, such as self-evaluation, feedback, online tests, or portfolios. The key is to be honest and realistic about your strengths and weaknesses, and to compare your skills with the standards and expectations of your industry, role, and organization. You can also consult your manager, mentor, or peers for their input and guidance.
The next step is to define your goals and objectives for your professional development. What do you want to achieve in the short-term and long-term? What skills do you need to get there? How do they align with your personal interests and values? You can use the SMART framework to make your goals specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. You can also break down your goals into smaller and manageable steps, and prioritize them according to their importance and urgency.
One easy way to define your objectives is to find 3-5 people who are doing what you're doing, but at the level above you. Study their published work, their social media and their website. In doing so, you can define the common skills they have, tweak to your specific goal, and follow in their footsteps. One important thing to do is go back to where they started, not just where they are today. It'll give you perspective and make the goal more reachable.
The third step is to identify the skill gaps between your current skills and your goals. You can use a skill gap analysis to do this, which is a process of comparing your skills with the desired skills, and identifying the gaps that need to be filled. You can use a simple matrix or a spreadsheet to list your skills, rate them on a scale, and indicate the level of improvement needed. You can also categorize your skill gaps into different types, such as knowledge, technical, or behavioral.
A super easy hack to identify your skills gaps: Find job postings for a job you’d like to have in the future, and analyze the listing. Make a list of all the required and suggested skills in the listing you don’t have, and use that to inform your plan.
The fourth step is to choose the best learning methods to address your skill gaps. There are many options available, depending on your learning style, preferences, and resources. Formal training, such as courses, workshops, seminars, or certificates, is one option that provides structured and accredited learning. Alternatively, you can pursue informal learning through self-directed activities like reading books or articles, listening to podcasts, or watching videos or webinars. Experiential learning is another option; this involves taking on new projects, tasks, or roles to gain experience in a particular area. Finally, social learning is a great way to learn from others; this includes mentoring, coaching, shadowing, or networking with people who have the skills you want to develop.
The final step is to implement and monitor your plan. You need to put your learning into action, and apply your new skills to your work and personal life. You also need to track your progress, and measure your results. You can use various tools and methods to do this, such as feedback, self-reflection, journals, portfolios, or assessments. You should also review and update your plan regularly, and celebrate your achievements and milestones.