🧩 The Skill-Will Matrix (Will-Skill Matrix)
The Skill-Will Matrix is a powerful framework used by managers, mentors, and leaders to assess individuals or teams based on two core dimensions:
📊 What It Represents
| 🔧 Skill | The capability to do the task (includes knowledge, experience, technical ability) |
|---|---|
| 💡 Will | The motivation or desire to do the task (includes attitude, confidence, enthusiasm) |
These two axes create a 2×2 matrix, classifying individuals into four types of entrepreneurs:
🧭 The Skill-Will Matrix: Classification Table
| Will to Do: High | Will to Do: Low | |
|---|---|---|
| Ability: High | ⭐ Star / Ideal | ⚠️ May Run |
| Ability: Low | 🚶 Passenger | 🪵 Deadwood |
🚶 a. Passenger → No ability to do and will to do
-
✅ Explanation:
Motivated but lacks skills or ability to act effectively.
Needs training, mentoring, or support. -
📌 Example:
A person passionate about starting a business but lacking basic business knowledge.
⭐ b. Star / Ideal → Ability to do and will to do
-
✅ Explanation:
Has both ability and motivation. Top performer who often leads successful ventures. -
📌 Example:
A skilled and passionate entrepreneur who builds a scalable startup.
🪵 c. Deadwood → No ability to do and no will to do
-
✅ Explanation:
Lacks both motivation and capability. Unproductive and stagnant in the system. -
📌 Example:
An uninterested family member managing a business poorly without any desire to improve.
⚠️ d. May Run → Ability to do and no will to do
-
✅ Explanation:
Has the skills but lacks motivation or initiative. May succeed if pushed or inspired. -
📌 Example:
A trained engineer with entrepreneurial potential but no drive to launch a venture.