Understanding the Skill-Will Matrix: A Practical Tool for Effective Leadership

Every leader faces the challenge of unlocking their team’s potential- balancing skill, motivation, and behaviour. Some team members thrive with enthusiasm but lack experience; others are highly capable but not fully engaged.

At OMT Global, we champion the Skill-Will Matrix as a straightforward tool to help leaders quickly diagnose where each individual stands in terms of ability (skill) and motivation (will), then tailor their approach to maximise positive outcomes. The result? Improved performance, sustainable engagement, and a vibrant team culture built for success.

What Is the Skill-Will Matrix?

The Skill-Will Matrix is a clear, practical framework that empowers leaders to assess their team’s readiness by considering two essential factors:

• Skill – The knowledge, experience, and capability an individual brings to their role.

• Will – The level of motivation, engagement, and willingness they show to perform and develop.

Mapping individuals against both skill and will allows leaders to decide exactly how to lead, coach, and invest in each person for the greatest impact.

The Five Profiles in the Skill-Will Matrix

Aspiring – Low Skill / High Will

Eager Novices

These individuals have a strong desire and motivation for their role but have not yet developed the necessary skills to meet all task or behavioural requirements. Leaders should take a structured coaching and guiding approach-providing clear development plans, frequent check-ins, and regular reviews of progress and skills gained. Investment here means analysing current capabilities and supporting growth. If, within the planned timeframe, the required standards are not met, leaders should revisit next steps and potentially reassess the individual’s fit for the role.

Capable – High Skill / Low Will

Grumpy Experts

Team members in this quadrant are typically achieving performance targets and fulfilling their role’s requirements, yet their motivation may be low and their behaviour may not always support team values. Often experienced and knowledgeable, they might feel overlooked or lacking new challenges-sometimes displaying negative behaviours that can impact team morale. Leaders should focus on inspiring and supporting these individuals: offering fresh challenges, recognising expertise, and actively managing behaviour and motivation to ensure their valuable skills are channelled positively.

Excelling – High Skill / High Will

Shining Stars

Excelling individuals consistently exceed expectations, providing the best return on leadership investment. Leaders should invest in keeping them challenged and engaged-through delegation, additional responsibilities, and opportunities to mentor or support others’ development. Targeted training and career development are essential to prepare these team members for future roles, promotion, and retention. Above all, leaders should encourage them to take ownership of their own progress, with continued support to ensure growth and long-term engagement.

Doubtful – Low Skill / Low Will

Can’t Cook, Won’t Cook!

Individuals here lack both the skill and motivation for their current position and may be fundamentally misaligned with the role. Determining the root cause-whether it’s suitability, ability, or motivation is key. Leaders should provide clear direction, improvement expectations, and feedback in a highly directive manner. Documented support and root cause analysis are important. If genuine progress remains limited, alternative roles or, as a last resort, an exit strategy should be considered, always taking a fair and empathetic approach.

Capable – Medium Skill / Medium Will

Steady Eddies

These are solid and reliable team members who meet task requirements and maintain good performance, though they may not be motivated to progress upwards or sideways. Leaders’ focus should be on maintaining their engagement-through regular recognition, inclusion, and monitoring motivation levels. Steady Eddies often reach their full development potential within the role; consistent support helps maintain both their performance and their positive contribution to the team.

The Skill-Will Matrix helps Leaders:

• Diagnose performance and engagement issues quickly

• Tailor their leadership style to individual needs

• Focus investment where it will have the most impact

• Create a shared language for development conversations

• Build high-performing, motivated teams

Bringing It All Together

Leadership isn’t about treating everyone the same-it’s about understanding what each person needs to succeed. By identifying whether a team member is Aspiring, Doubtful, Steady, Capable, or Excelling, leaders can adapt their approach to maximise both performance and engagement.

At OMT Global, we help organisations embed the Skill-Will Matrix into daily leadership practice-enabling managers to build capability, engagement, and sustainable performance.