Core Skills: What’s my level?

Use this Skill Evaluator to give you an idea of where you sit against each of the 8 M&S Core Skills.

Consider how you or your direct reports have demonstrated each of the expectations across the levels of the Core Skills framework.

Are you taking this assessment for yourself or someone else?

Self

Direct Report

Please answer the following questions about your role in M&S. Please answer the following questions about your colleague’s role in M&S.

Business Unit

Area

What location do you most often work in? What location does your colleague most often work in?

How to take this assessment

If you give fairly fast, and honest answers as to where you feel you are performing against the three criteria for each skill you will see areas of strengths and areas for development. Based on your knowledge and observed behaviours of your direct report, give honest answers as to where you feel they are performing against the three criteria for each skill. These answers will then form areas of strengths and areas for development.

You should then think about which skills are most important for your current role, as well as your development. Those two elements combined; your self-assessed strengths and development areas, alongside which skills are most important for you will give you a clear path to explore the Core Skills Hub. You will also need to consider which skills are most important for the current role, as well as development areas that you have identified. These elements combined; assessed strengths and development areas, and skills that are most important for the role will give a clear path for progression and inform Core Skills Hub activities or additional training requirements.

Innovation

1A. Foundation

I ask questions and gather data when I'm solving problems or developing new ideas
I consult colleagues and involve others in new projects or problem-solving tasks
I challenge the status quo. I'm willing to try out new approaches and fail and learn

Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to you. Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to your colleague.

Strongly Disagree

Strongly Agree

1

2

3

4

5

Innovation

1B. Advanced

I create insight based on analysis of multiple data sources and a range of internal and external perspectives. I use this to create multiple options or solutions before choosing the best one
I encourage new thinking by proactively inviting a diverse range of people to share their views and provide creativity and challenge
I introduce new ways of looking at opportunities or problems. I support others to experiment and learn fast

Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to you. Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to your colleague.

Strongly Disagree

Strongly Agree

1

2

3

4

5

Innovation

1C. Expert

I generate data-based insights using a wide range of internal and external trends, sources and perspectives. I seek or create new sources of insight and tools to stimulate opportunities and ideas
I champion diversity of thought and develop alliances across teams and functions to shift perspectives and create fresh thinking
I create an environment that sparks innovation, empowers others to experiment and makes colleagues feel safe when using insights to do things differently

Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to you. Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to your colleague.

Strongly Disagree

Strongly Agree

1

2

3

4

5

Change

2A. Foundation

I embrace change positively and am resilient and flexible during periods of change
I can provide constructive feedback to help shape solutions and am able to develop new skills to deal with future demands
I can explain the reason for change to others in a positive manner

Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to you. Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to your colleague.

Strongly Disagree

Strongly Agree

1

2

3

4

5

Change

2B. Advanced

I proactively seek out opportunities for change and promote these via the right channels
I understand the mindset, steps and skills I need to navigate through change to build for future success
I support others through change from both a process and well-being perspective

Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to you. Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to your colleague.

Strongly Disagree

Strongly Agree

1

2

3

4

5

Change

2C. Expert

I am a catalyst for change and lead others by creating belief and confidence in an inspiring vision for the future
I drive the strategic plan for change. I can steer teams through the capability or cultural shift needed to move the business forwards
I create a culture of agility and effectively manage stakeholders at all levels

Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to you. Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to your colleague.

Strongly Disagree

Strongly Agree

1

2

3

4

5

Digital

3A. Foundation

I understand M&S's digital and omnichannel journey and can explain this to colleagues and customers
I embrace and can confidently use the digital tools that are available to me and are relevant to my role
I know the digital data sets available to me and can use them to make decisions in my day to day work

Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to you. Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to your colleague.

Strongly Disagree

Strongly Agree

1

2

3

4

5

Digital

3B. Advanced

I role model a digital mindset and encourage and enable colleagues to build their knowledge and use of digital tools
I continuously develop digital skills and spot opportunities to deploy digital solutions to improve my work and that of my function
I proactively seek out and use a variety of digital data sets. I use these to make better decisions and drive action

Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to you. Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to your colleague.

Strongly Disagree

Strongly Agree

1

2

3

4

5

Digital

3C. Expert

I keep up to date with the competitive digital landscape and create a culture of continuous digital learning
I identify opportunities to use digital tools to streamline processes, improve the customer experience or create competitive advantage to transform how we do business at M&S
I use digital data insight as a critical business tool. I encourage and enable others to manage and use data to drive effective decision making

Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to you. Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to your colleague.

Strongly Disagree

Strongly Agree

1

2

3

4

5

Customer

4A. Foundation

I know who our customers are and put their needs at the heart of everything I do
I proactively build my knowledge of our products and services. I understand our omni-channel approach and I'm passionate and proud of M&S
I use customer feedback to improve the customer experience and/or build customer relationships

Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to you. Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to your colleague.

Strongly Disagree

Strongly Agree

1

2

3

4

5

Customer

4B. Advanced

I proactively look for opportunities to improve the customer omni channel experience whilst reflecting diverse customer needs
I can explain what makes our customer proposition and products market leading and I help others to develop their knowledge
I use customer insights to improve how we operate and ensure the interests of the customer are considered when making decisions

Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to you. Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to your colleague.

Strongly Disagree

Strongly Agree

1

2

3

4

5

Customer

4C. Expert

I use my deep understanding of the customer to role model and champion a customer mindset across my function
I lead others to develop and share product knowledge across M&S. I promote M&S externally to boost awareness of our key customer and product advances
I promote the use of customer insights to ensure broader business plans focus on the customer whilst balancing other priorities

Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to you. Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to your colleague.

Strongly Disagree

Strongly Agree

1

2

3

4

5

Commercial

5A. Foundation

I understand how my role affects sales and costs and take these factors into account in my day-to- day work
I take accountability for understanding the commercial goals of the business
I know who our key competitors are and the actions they are taking. I use this to make suggestions on our products and services

Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to you. Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to your colleague.

Strongly Disagree

Strongly Agree

1

2

3

4

5

Commercial

5B. Advanced

I understand the key drivers of how we make money in our business model and manage my activities to focus on profitability and return on investment
I can communicate our commercial goals to others and how they relate to my role and business area. I am able to manage a budget
I understand the external competitive context and take that into account when making decisions or recommendations about our customers, products or colleagues

Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to you. Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to your colleague.

Strongly Disagree

Strongly Agree

1

2

3

4

5

Commercial

5C. Expert

I determine critical business measures and evaluate activities to ensure they add value. I seek out new opportunities to grow our business or improve return on investment
I can communicate the M&S commercial strategy and how it relates to each business area. I am able to manage large, complex budgets and/or my business area P&L
I understand broad consumer and economic trends, I actively update myself on current competitor strategies and am able to use that to create competitive advantage and benefit our customers

Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to you. Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to your colleague.

Strongly Disagree

Strongly Agree

1

2

3

4

5

Prioritisation

6A. Foundation

I am able to identify the work that will make the biggest positive impact to achieving results in my role
I stay focused on my identified priorities and make plans to deliver them. I can be flexible when priorities change due to business need
I make sure my day-to-day actions are aligned to my broader team’s or function’s priorities

Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to you. Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to your colleague.

Strongly Disagree

Strongly Agree

1

2

3

4

5

Prioritisation

6B. Advanced

I am able to determine the relative urgency and importance of activities and use this to effectively plan tasks or resources for myself and others
I use a combination of data, insight and commercial measures to decide whether to maintain existing priorities or re-prioritise. I help colleagues to accept the reasoning behind prioritised work and plan accordingly
I make sure my short term activities and plans are aligned with key stakeholders and M&S strategic targets

Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to you. Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to your colleague.

Strongly Disagree

Strongly Agree

1

2

3

4

5

Prioritisation

6C. Expert

I create clarity on what matters most for my business area. I role model being productive, planned and purposeful when setting targets for myself and others
I align plans and resources behind functional and business objectives, resolving competing priorities to deliver what matters. I can re-prioritise effectively when needed and create a clear narrative as to why this is necessary to ensure no loss of pace
I set longer term plans in line with M&S's business strategy and co-ordinate with other parts of the business to ensure cross functional alignment on key workstreams

Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to you. Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to your colleague.

Strongly Disagree

Strongly Agree

1

2

3

4

5

Communication

7A. Foundation

I present my ideas clearly and concisely, thinking about what my audience needs to know and how my message will land
I listen well, value the views of others and ask for feedback
I can communicate in a positive and enthusiastic manner which inspires others to take action

Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to you. Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to your colleague.

Strongly Disagree

Strongly Agree

1

2

3

4

5

Communication

7B. Advanced

I can adapt my communication style and know which communication tool / technique to use to deliver different messages. I tailor what I say so that it lands with impact with different people and situations
I actively listen and seek different perspectives. I support colleagues to share their views in an open and honest way
I can communicate challenging messages in a positive way to maintain motivation

Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to you. Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to your colleague.

Strongly Disagree

Strongly Agree

1

2

3

4

5

Communication

7C. Expert

I communicate with authenticity, confidence, clarity and impact. I am skilled in adapting my style to influence stakeholders across the organization
I role model respectful 2-way communication regardless of job title or background and create a culture of active listening
I bring business messages to life by creating a narrative that creates energy, gains commitment and inspires colleagues

Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to you. Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to your colleague.

Strongly Disagree

Strongly Agree

1

2

3

4

5

Collaboration

8A. Foundation

I develop relationships with individuals from different teams and build trust by being open
I engage stakeholders in a timely way on relevant topics
I seek to achieve win-win outcomes with others in my team

Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to you. Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to your colleague.

Strongly Disagree

Strongly Agree

1

2

3

4

5

Collaboration

8B. Advanced

I build a network of effective relationships across M&S, seeking and understanding different perspectives
I can identify the right people to engage on specific activities to maximise speed of delivery and positive outcomes
I identify opportunities to achieve shared goals and agree how to work best with stakeholders to achieve mutual success

Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to you. Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to your colleague.

Strongly Disagree

Strongly Agree

1

2

3

4

5

Collaboration

8C. Expert

I identify and build internal and external partnerships that will help deliver the business strategy
I champion working across business boundaries. I proactively break down silos and bring people together to build effective cross functional teams
I create new processes and ways of working to create a culture of collaboration and achieve success for our business and customers

Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to you. Please rate the level to which you agree that these statements apply to your colleague.

Strongly Disagree

Strongly Agree

1

2

3

4

5

You're nearly there…

Click the Submit button below to see your scores. Click the Submit button below to see your scores.