Build the Future with a Competency Strategy

It's about ensuring you and your team have the knowledge and skills needed to tackle tomorrow's challenges. Whether you run a small business or lead a large group, a well-thought-out plan for skills development will give you an advantage that can be crucial in an increasingly competitive world.

Why is competency strategy so important?
‍The world around us is changing at a rapid pace. Technology, market trends and customer needs are constantly evolving, and there is no sign that this development will slow down. New innovations and requirements can quickly make existing skills outdated. To keep up and stay ahead of the curve, your business needs to know which skills will be crucial in the future — and how you can build those skills today. This is not just an advantage, but a necessity to survive and thrive.

How to develop a competency strategy
‍Developing a competency strategy is primarily about understanding where you want to go. What is the vision for your company? What goals have you set for the next two, five or 10 years? Once you have a clear picture of the future, you can start mapping out what skills are needed to get there. This gives you not only a plan, but also a peace of mind in knowing that you are prepared for what is to come. A clear vision also helps motivate employees, because they see how their development fits into a bigger picture.

Mapping of existing competencies
‍But it doesn't stop there. It's equally important to look at what you already have -- the people, skills and experience that exist within the organization. This mapping may often surprise you: Perhaps someone on the team has hidden talents or experiences that are not being exploited today? Maybe you're sitting on resources that can flourish with the right support? By getting an overview of where you stand, it becomes easier to identify the gaps between current and future needs. This gives you a solid foundation to plan your next step.

Measures that make a difference
‍Once you've uncovered these gaps, it's about putting concrete action into action. And this is the exciting part! Whether through training, recruitment, mentoring or the use of digital tools, there are countless ways to strengthen your company's competencies. Maybe there is a need to establish internal courses? Or maybe remote seminars and certifications can give your team that little extra they need? Remember that this is not just about filling a gap, but about giving employees the tools they need to grow and develop. When people feel invested in, their well-being and loyalty also increase, which can lead to lower turnover and a more stable working environment.

An ongoing investment in the future
‍The key is to be proactive and look at this as an investment, not a cost. Those companies that prioritize skills development often see results in the form of better performance, higher productivity and more satisfied employees. It is about facilitating the success of your team and that, in turn, will be reflected in the company's results.

Evaluation and adjustment
‍Another thing worth keeping in mind is that a competency strategy is never finished. The world does not stand still, nor should your strategy. Make it a habit to evaluate how your measures are working. What's been going well? What could be better? By collecting employee feedback and actively using key metrics, you can adjust your strategy along the way and make sure it's always in step with reality. This ensures that your business remains relevant, competitive and ready for whatever comes around the next turn.

A living document
‍A strong competency strategy is not just a document in a drawer. It's a vibrant, dynamic part of how you build and grow your business. It's a strategy that breathes, grows and adapts in step with the world around you. And it's not just about the enterprise, but about the people who make it up. When you invest in their future, you also invest in the future of the company.