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When considering your self-development, there may be occasions when you feel you lack direction. This tool helps provide focus by prompting you to consider your development needs in relation to your current job role.
Completing the Key Task Analysis matrix
An outline of the matrix is reproduced below for your reference.
Key Task Analysis
Name:
Job Role:
Department:
Line Manager:
Tasks and Responsibilities
Skills Gaps
Potential Development Activities
Download a blank copy of the matrix using the button at the top of this page, and complete it by following the steps given below:
Step 1
Detail all of the Tasks and Responsibilities that make up your current job role. To ensure that your list is comprehensive, you may wish to refer to documents such as your job description or performance review plans.
Step 2
Consider your Skills Gaps in relation to each of the tasks and responsibilities that you have documented. It is crucial that you are honest with yourself and record all of the gaps that you are aware of. It is also a good idea to solicit feedback from your line manager or trusted colleagues, as they may highlight areas that you have not considered.
Step 3
Now think about Potential Development Activities that you could undertake to meet each of these skills gaps. Bear in mind that one skills gap may require more than a single activity to develop you sufficiently. It’s important that you keep your suggestions realistic, as well considering factors such as time and cost. For example, if you have identified that ‘project knowledge’ is a gap, do you really need to go on a two-week project management course, when spending an afternoon job shadowing an internal project manager would be sufficient for your purposes? If you have a Learning and Development department, you could discuss potential development options with them, or visit their intranet site to see what information, courses and support are available to you.
Follow-Up Activity
You should take your completed matrix to your line manager. Together you can discuss the activities that you have thought of, and use them to form the basis of your personal development plan. Do bear in mind that your line manager will have their own thoughts, not only about the activities you have documented, but also the direction your development should take. If you have listed a number of potential development activities, you can prioritize these as part of your discussion.
