T-Shaped Skills: Building muscle aligned to Future FIT (IT) Skills

Just as an introduction to the T-Shaped model. The model originated in the 1990s within IBM and it really at its core looks into building an individual but also a team’s strength. I do believe it is extremely valuable in 2023 due to the technology impacts and the value that all of these advances can bring to organizations.

If one considers the letter T - think about the vertical and horizontal lines that form part of the letter.

The vertical line represents the depth of expertise in one discipline. For example, a Data Scientist would require in depth skill on Maths for Data Scientists, Python as a programming language, but also how this applies to the world of a Data Scientist, ML with AI and DL with NLP, Data wrangling etc. To built these skills in a fast changing world implies that you will require access to a learning environment that must consist of a combination of (i) Aligning business requirements to skills requirements, (ii) Ability to assess current skills (quantify what you have), (iii) Identify the gap in skills, (iv) Flexibility when it comes to learning, (v) Access to subject matter expert discussions, (vi) Access to online lab environments for practical exercises and (vii) Access to continuous measurement to evaluate progress.

The horizontal line reflects the breadth of experience, knowledge and skills. Some research papers also refer to this as breadth of Cross-discipline Competence.

In the case of the example for the Data Scientist, this might include exposure to problem solving, design thinking, grit, data storytelling, Cloud, Cybersecurity, Agile, DevOps etc.

LRMG IT Talent is geared towards partnering with you to build the skills muscle in your organization across both the vertical and the horizontal lines of the T. ?

For more information re partnering with you to build the skills you require and to maintain the skills, please contact us:

[email protected]