How do you address skill gaps with research collaborators?

1 Identify the skill gaps

The first step to address skill gaps is to identify them. You can do this by conducting a self-assessment and a peer-assessment of your own and your collaborators' skills in relation to the research project. You can use various tools and frameworks to help you evaluate your skills, such as the Researcher Development Framework (RDF), the Vitae Skills Audit, or the European Framework for Research Careers (EFRC). These tools can help you map your skills across different domains and levels, such as knowledge, methods, communication, management, ethics, impact, and career development. By identifying the skill gaps, you can have a clearer picture of the strengths and weaknesses of each collaborator, as well as the areas that need improvement or support.

2 Communicate the skill gaps

The next step to address skill gaps is to communicate them. You can do this by sharing your self-assessment and peer-assessment results with your collaborators, and inviting them to do the same. You can also discuss the skill gaps with your collaborators in a constructive and respectful way, focusing on the goals and expectations of the research project, and the roles and responsibilities of each collaborator. By communicating the skill gaps, you can foster a culture of openness, feedback, and mutual learning among your collaborators, as well as identify the potential sources of conflict, misunderstanding, or frustration.

3 Plan to fill the skill gaps

The third step to address skill gaps is to plan to fill them. You can do this by developing a learning plan or a training plan for yourself and your collaborators, based on the skill gaps that you have identified and communicated. You can also seek external support or resources to help you fill the skill gaps, such as mentors, coaches, consultants, courses, workshops, webinars, podcasts, books, articles, or online platforms. By planning to fill the skill gaps, you can enhance your own and your collaborators' skills, as well as the quality and impact of your research project.

4 Monitor and evaluate the skill gaps

The fourth step to address skill gaps is to monitor and evaluate them. You can do this by setting up regular meetings or check-ins with your collaborators, where you can review your progress, achievements, challenges, and feedback in relation to the skill gaps. You can also use various tools and methods to measure and document your skill development, such as portfolios, journals, logs, surveys, tests, or badges. By monitoring and evaluating the skill gaps, you can track your own and your collaborators' learning outcomes, as well as the benefits and challenges of the collaboration.

5 Celebrate and share the skill gaps

The fifth step to address skill gaps is to celebrate and share them. You can do this by acknowledging and rewarding your own and your collaborators' efforts, achievements, and contributions in relation to the skill gaps. You can also share your experiences, insights, and lessons learned from addressing the skill gaps with other researchers, stakeholders, or audiences, through various channels and formats, such as publications, presentations, blogs, podcasts, or social media. By celebrating and sharing the skill gaps, you can increase your own and your collaborators' motivation, confidence, and recognition, as well as the visibility and impact of your research project.

6 Learn from the skill gaps

The sixth step to address skill gaps is to learn from them. You can do this by reflecting on your own and your collaborators' skill development journey, and identifying the key takeaways, best practices, and areas for improvement. You can also apply your learning to your future research projects and collaborations, and seek new opportunities to expand your skills and network. By learning from the skill gaps, you can enhance your own and your collaborators' research skills, as well as your research collaboration and networking.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?