Clear career paths for high-performing Data Science and Research teams

Summary

Intercom created a unified RAD function 18 months ago, merging Product Research and Product Analytics to drive evidence-based decisions. To build a high-performing team, they developed career ladders with two paths: individual contributor and manager, where management is a lateral move, not a promotion. The IC track spans Associate to Senior Principal and assesses six skill sets: mastery, partnerships and influence, impact, leadership, communication, and feedback and collaboration, with specific competencies like tools and methods, product knowledge, and mentorship. The management track focuses on five skill sets: leadership, people management, business strategy, product strategy, and execution and impact, where managers are expected to be role models, uplevel the RAD function, and coach their teams. These ladders, created with managers Nick, Louis, and Hayley, clarify roles, align expectations, promote development, and enable fair performance calibration, prioritizing mastery and communication across both paths.

Takeaways

1. 1

   Intercom’s RAD career ladders include two distinct paths: individual contributor and manager, with management treated as a lateral move rather than a promotion.

2. 2

   The IC track assesses performance on six skill sets: mastery, partnerships and influence, impact, leadership, communication, and feedback and collaboration.

3. 3

   The management track focuses on five skill sets: leadership, people management, business strategy, product strategy, and execution and impact, with expectations to uplevel the function and coach teams.

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