How do you keep your team's skills sharp after restructuring?

1 Assess your team's current skills

The first step to keeping your team's skills sharp after restructuring is to assess their current skills and identify any gaps or needs that may have emerged as a result of the changes. You can use various tools and methods to conduct a skills audit, such as surveys, interviews, self-assessments, performance reviews, or online tests. The aim is to get a clear picture of your team's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in relation to the new requirements and expectations of their roles.

2 Set clear and realistic goals

The next step is to set clear and realistic goals for your team's skill development, based on the results of the skills audit and the strategic direction of the organization. You should involve your team members in the goal-setting process, as this will increase their motivation, ownership, and accountability. You should also ensure that the goals are SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. For example, instead of saying "improve your communication skills", you could say "complete an online course on effective communication by the end of the month and apply the learned techniques in your next presentation".

3 Provide relevant and accessible resources

Once you have set the goals for your team's skill development, you need to provide them with relevant and accessible resources that will help them achieve those goals. These resources could include online courses, webinars, podcasts, books, articles, mentors, coaches, or peers. You should also consider your team's preferred learning styles, preferences, and availability, and offer them a variety of options and formats. For example, some team members may prefer to learn on their own pace and schedule, while others may benefit from more interactive and collaborative learning experiences.

4 Monitor and support your team's progress

Another important step to keeping your team's skills sharp after restructuring is to monitor and support their progress regularly. You should check in with your team members individually and collectively, and provide them with constructive feedback, recognition, and encouragement. You should also help them overcome any challenges or barriers that may hinder their learning, such as lack of time, motivation, or confidence. You should also create opportunities for your team to practice and apply their new skills in real work situations, such as projects, tasks, or assignments.

5 Evaluate and celebrate your team's achievements

The final step to keeping your team's skills sharp after restructuring is to evaluate and celebrate their achievements. You should measure and document the results of your team's skill development, and compare them with the initial goals and expectations. You should also solicit feedback from your team members, stakeholders, customers, or other relevant parties on the impact and value of their new skills. You should also acknowledge and reward your team's efforts and accomplishments, and celebrate their successes as a group. This will boost their morale, confidence, and satisfaction, and motivate them to keep learning and growing.

6 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?