"I use several strategies to ensure the members of my teams have the knowledge and skills necessary for success. First, I like to observe and work with each member individually to find out where they would like to grow professionally. If their growth needs require training, I partner with their management to plan accordingly. Otherwise, I brainstorm a strategy to gather the information they need while making sure their current project commitments are met.
Secondly, I work with the leaders on my teams that represent the other domains such as analysis or engineering to see if we have any knowledge gaps when we are planning for a specific project. If there is a gap, we develop a strategy to gather and disseminate the necessary knowledge.
Thirdly, I like to look ahead and work with program managers or senior leaders to understand the roadmaps and long term needs of our clients. I then work with my team members to take advantage of any opportunities we have to proactively gain the knowledge and skills we know we will need prior to the start of a project. This helps to reduce delays and it gives my teammates time to get comfortable with new skills before they have to actively use them on a project."
