How do I generate a competency framework with AI in Leapsome?
Admins and authorized users can generate a custom competency framework through an AI chat assistant on the Competency Frameworks page. Start a conversation, provide context about your team, and download a ready-to-import Excel file in minutes, no blank spreadsheet required.
The AI assistant replaces the previous static form with a guided conversation. It asks about your team, structure, and priorities, draws on context already in Leapsome (such as existing teams, levels, and skill categories), and generates a tailored framework draft as an Excel file. The file can be reviewed, adjusted offline, and uploaded to Leapsome when ready.
Table of Contents
- What is the AI competency framework assistant?
- How to enable the AI assistant
- How to generate a competency framework
- What to expect in the conversation
- How to publish the generated framework
- Who else can use the AI assistant?
- FAQ
What is the AI competency framework assistant?
The AI competency framework assistant is a chat-based tool that guides you through creating a custom competency framework for any team in Leapsome. Instead of filling out a static form, you have a conversation with the AI assistant, which gathers context about your team's structure, priorities, and existing setup before generating a framework draft.
The assistant is aware of your existing Leapsome data; including teams, levels, and skill categories and uses this context to produce more relevant output. The conversation is saved, so you can return to refine the draft without starting over. When you are satisfied, you download the output as an Excel file and upload it to Leapsome to publish the framework.
How to enable the AI assistant
The AI competency framework assistant requires AI features to be enabled for your workspace. To enable them:
- Go to 'Settings' > 'Employees' > 'Feature Access Matrix'
- Under 'AI features' enable the 'Competencies — AI wizard to generate competencies' features for the applicable user groups
How to generate a competency framework
- Go to the Competency Frameworks page in Leapsome
- Click 'Generate framework draft' — this opens a chat panel on the right side of the screen
- Describe the team or role you want a framework for, or answer the assistant's follow-up questions
- Optionally, attach a file (e.g., an existing evaluation template) using the '+' button to give the assistant additional context
- Review the summary the assistant provides before generation
- Download the generated Excel file
- Review and adjust the file as needed
- Upload the file to Leapsome to publish the framework
Your conversation is saved automatically. If you close the panel and return later, you can continue where you left off. To start a new conversation from scratch, click the reset icon (↺) in the chat panel.
What to expect in the conversation
The assistant starts by asking you to describe the team or role you want a framework for. You can type a free-text description or answer follow-up questions as the conversation progresses. Typical topics covered include:
- Which team or function the framework is for
- How many levels the framework should have
- How many competencies per level (the assistant provides recommendations)
- Specific competencies or values you want included
- Any additional context about your company or team
You can also attach files, such as an existing evaluation template or job description, using the '+' button in the chat to give the assistant richer context.
The assistant draws on your existing Leapsome setup throughout the conversation. It recognizes your existing teams and levels, reuses skill categories where relevant, and flags competencies that already exist in your framework to avoid duplication. Level names from your setup are reflected in the output — the Excel file will use your actual level names, not generic placeholders.
You can iterate within the same conversation. If the first draft is not quite right, continue the chat to refine it. Each refinement produces a new downloadable Excel file.
How to publish the generated framework
The AI assistant always outputs an Excel file, publishing requires a separate upload step. This is intentional: it gives you full control over what goes live and allows you to review or adjust the draft offline before committing.
To publish the framework:
- Download the Excel file from the chat
- Review and adjust the file as needed
- Go to the Competency Frameworks page
- Use the existing import flow to upload the file
Only users with 'Manage Competencies' permissions can upload and publish a framework. If you generated the file but do not have this permission, share the Excel file with an admin to upload on your behalf.
For more information on the import format and upload steps, see the How to set up a Competency Framework article.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I edit the framework directly in the chat?
No. The AI assistant outputs an Excel file, there is no inline editor in the chat. You can refine the draft by continuing the conversation and downloading a new version, or by editing the Excel file directly before uploading it to Leapsome.
2. Is my conversation saved if I close the chat?
Yes. Your last conversation is automatically saved. When you return to the AI assistant, you can continue where you left off. To start a new conversation, click the reset icon (↺) in the chat panel — this clears the saved chat.
3. Will the AI use data from my existing competency framework?
Yes. The assistant is aware of your existing teams, levels, and skill categories in Leapsome. It reuses this context during the conversation and flags any competencies that already exist in your setup.
4. Who can publish a generated framework?
Only users with 'Manage Competencies' permissions can upload and publish a framework in Leapsome. If you have generated a draft but do not have this permission, share the Excel file with an admin to upload it.