How to use this table:

1. Read the description of each skill and make your best estimate of your current level of ability based on the following scale:
   • Aware: You are brand new to this skill. You may know about it conceptually, but have not yet completed the task yourself.
   • Learner: You’re just to learn this skill or still rely on detailed instructions and guides to complete this task.
   • Skilled: You have some ability in this area, but you still need assistance to tackle certain parts or advanced aspects.
   • Expert: You confidently handle challenges in this topic area, do not need support, and can clearly and simply explain concepts to others.
   • Strategist: You are applying this technique in new ways and creating new ways of doing this, you can mentor/guide intermediates and advanced individuals in this skill.
2. Optional: Determine if there are any skills for which you would like to have a different future skill level and indicate your desired level. Keep in mind, that your desired skill levels may change over time and may change as you consider different possible career options. You will likely come back to this table and change your desired levels many times.

Note. Don’t worry too much about where you rate yourself, there’s no true score or measurement for something like this. The scale provided is only meant to provide a general sense of guidance and to serve as a thought-provoking exercise.

Bonus Discovery Activities: Community Building 

How do you know if you have the right kind of people or enough people in your community? The answer doesn’t have anything to do with quantity. It is all about whether or not you have people available to you for the kind of support you need (and if you support others). To help you assess this, answer the questions listed below. For each question, name at least one person you would contact for help on that item. You can list the same person for more than one question but try to diversify your answers as much as possible and try to list more than one person where you can. If you can list a name for each question, you are off to a great start. If there are questions you can’t name a person for, those are areas you may want to consider when you choose where to focus your community building efforts.

Who’s In Your People Analytics Community? List the name of a person you would call if:

• You need someone to check if your analyses are done correctly?
• You want to know which types of analysis techniques are best to use for a certain set of data, type of issue, or question?
• You want feedback on a data visualization? a presentation? a written report? a business proposal?
• You need to understand data privacy and security?
• You want advice about your career or how to have a difficult conversation at work?
• You need help convincing others to take action on your people analytics findings?
• You need new ideas for how to bring value through your work?
• You want to be energized or inspired about people analytics?

Remember that being part of a network is not one-sided. After you answer these questions, consider if you are a source of advice or support for someone on any of these topics. Who would answer these questions with your name? List them if you can. If you can’t think of anyone, maybe it’s time for you to offer help and expertise to others in your network. Identifying the people who help you and those you help, is also a great way to identify the degree to which you give and receive from your community.

Are you a Giver, Taker, or Matcher?

Another valuable self-discovery activity related to community building is to become aware of your tendencies toward giving, taking, and reciprocity with others in your community. The concept of Givers, Takers, and Matchers originates from the work of organizational psychologist Adam Grant. It describes how individuals approach reciprocity in relationships. Knowing your tendencies, or your desired ways of interacting, with others in the community can help you better consider how you want to interact with others in your community. Here’s an (over) simplified description of each type:

• Givers prioritize helping others and contributing to the community. They readily share knowledge, offer mentorship, and go the extra mile without expecting anything in return.

• Takers focus on maximizing their own gain. They may seek help and resources but rarely reciprocate. They prioritize their own success and advancement over the needs of others.

• Matchers strive for balance in relationships. They offer help when needed and expect the same in return. They value fairness and reciprocity in their interactions.

Many people automatically assume some types are “better.” But, they all have pros and cons. Givers are often labeled “best” because they seem altruistic, but constantly giving without boundaries can lead to burnout and can hinder your career progress. Matchers can seem like a nice “middle ground” since there’s a balance between taking and giving – but treating relationships like a transaction can be depersonalizing and resentment from perceived misalignment can harm relationships. Being a Taker all the time hinders your professional growth because of the damage it causes to relationships. But, you also shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it even if you can’t offer anything in return. We all have a natural tendency toward each of these approaches in different amounts and in different situations. Taking a moment to consider your natural tendency can be useful – it allows you to think intentionally about how you interact with others in your community. It also helps you design the right balance of sustainable giving and receiving that works for you. Here are some questions to help evaluate your natural tendencies. Keep in mind, there are no “right” answers, this is just about self-discovery. Honestly ask yourself:

• Do I readily share knowledge and resources with colleagues?
• Do I feel comfortable asking others for help when needed?
• Do I keep track of what I’ve done for others and what others have done for me?
• Do I genuinely enjoy helping others succeed?
• Do I feel resentful when my help is not reciprocated?