The Back Story
In a conversation with a client, they shared frustration about an employee who wasn’t meeting expectations. “I keep telling them what tasks to do,” the manager said, “but the results just aren’t there.”
When we dug deeper, it became clear that the problem wasn’t the employee’s effort. It was the lack of defined skills for the role. The company had listed tasks, but never clarified the underlying skills needed to do the job well. Once those skills were identified, they received training, and performance improved.
How You Lead Better
Tasks tell someone what to do. Skills define how they do it, and whether they can do it well. Without clearly defined skills, employees are left guessing, and leaders are left frustrated.
Here are 3 steps I recommend:
- Understand the difference. Tasks are activities, but skills are the capabilities that drive performance.
- Evaluate each position one by one. Determine what skills are truly required for success in each role.
- Identify the vital skills. These are the skills that matter not only for the position but also for the benefit of the company’s long-term growth.
When you shift focus from tasks to skills, you give your team the foundation to grow stronger and perform better. This will prepare your team to reach their future potential.
What to Remember
When you identify the vital skills for every role, you’ll find it easier to set expectations and guide training. This will help you build your team to overcome tomorrow’s challenges.
We Help Clients Level Up Their Teams
Do you need to prepare your team for the future? For over 20 years, we’ve helped professionals to reinvent their teams. Our Future Potential Framework is a science-based approach to level up your team’s skills, so they’re proactive and your company is more profitable.