Human Resources > HRD > Performance Management > Competencies

Job Specific Competencies

Supervisors and employees select 2-4 that will most impact success in the job

 Competencies are the knowledge, skills and abilities, and other requirements that are needed for someone to perform a job successfully.  Competencies define not only what a person must know and do, but also how a person does it.

Listed below are competencies that may be needed for a job.  From this list of pre-defined competencies, the supervisor and employee should select 2-4 competencies that will most impact success in the job this year. The supervisor and employee should discuss the behaviors and agree on their use when evaluating performance.  Note: Effective Supervision must be included for each employee in a supervisory role.

Each competency includes a definition and some observable behaviors that, when performed, may indicate acceptable performance. The list of behaviors is only a sample list; therefore, all of the listed behaviors may not be applicable to the specific position.  

 Effective Supervision (Required of all employees in a supervisory role)

Definition

     •  Training, coaching, delegating and developing capabilities of others; evaluating people and performance; disciplining and counseling, building positive relationships.

Observable Behaviors

-Supports the development of subordinates by providing avenues to improve their skills and competencies

              -Provides on-going feedback and conducts performance reviews on time

-Encourages people to resolve problems on their own

-Deals with problems firmly and in a timely manner

-Addresses performance problems and issues promptly; lets people know what is expected of them

-Stays informed about employees’ performance through both formal and informal methods

-Recognizes and encourages behaviors that contribute to teamwork

-Utilizes total performance management systems for the development, improvement and evaluation of employees’ performance

-Stays abreast of supervisory responsibilities through all available means

 Technical Expertise

Definition

     •  Demonstrates depth of knowledge and skill necessary for the job.

Observable Behaviors

-      Effectively applies technical knowledge to solve a range of problems

-      Develops solutions to problems that cannot be solved using existing methods or approaches

-      Is sought out to provide advice or solutions in his/her area of expertise

-      Keeps informed about current developments in his/her area of expertise

Effective Communications

Definition

     •  Ensures information is effectively exchanged with others.

Observable Behaviors

-Shares ideas and information with appropriate customers/stakeholders

-Practices attentive and active listening

-Ensures that regular, consistent communications take place

-Expresses ideas clearly and concisely in writing

-Expresses oneself clearly in conversation and interaction with others

Problem Solving

Definition

     •  Identifies and solves problems with effective solutions.

Observable Behaviors

-Uses available resources to evaluate potential solutions

-Identifies information needed to clarify a situation and seeks that information from appropriate sources

-Asks questions to clarify a situation

-Tackles problems with a logical and systematic approach

-Evaluates options by considering implications and consequences; chooses effective options

-Implements solutions within a reasonable time

Results Orientation

Definition

     •  Ensures that one’s own and/or others’ work and information are complete and accurate; focuses on desired result of one’s own or one’s units’ work.

Observable Behaviors

-Sets up procedures to ensure high quality of work

-Verifies information

-Carefully reviews and checks the accuracy of own and/or others’ work

-Has a sense of urgency about getting work completed                       

-Looks for and seizes opportunities to do more or to do thing better

Personal Credibility

Definition

     •  Demonstrates concern that one be perceived as responsible, reliable, and trustworthy.

Observable Behaviors

-Demonstrates honestly, keeps commitments

-Behaves in a consistent and ethical manner

-Takes ownership of work and one’s own actions

-Acts reputably in relationships with others

-Builds trust and credibility by demonstrating consistency between words and actions

 Self Management

Definition

     •  Takes responsibility for one’s own performance.

Observable Behaviors

-With his/her manager, clarifies expectations about what will be done and how

-Enlists his/her manager’s support in obtaining the information, resources, and training needed to accomplish his/her work effectively

-Promptly notifies his/her manager about any problems that affect his/her ability to accomplish planned goals

-Seeks performance feedback from his/her manager and from others with whom he/she interacts

-Takes significant action to develop skills needed for effectiveness in current or future job

 Flexibility

Definition

     •  Openness to different and new ways of doing things; willingness to modify one’s preferred way of doing things.

Observable Behaviors

-Is able to see the merits of perspectives other than his/her own

-Demonstrates openness to new organizational structures, procedures, and technology

-Switches to different strategy when an initially selected one is unsuccessful

-Demonstrates willingness to modify a strongly held position in the face of contrary evidence

Decisiveness

Definition

     •  Makes decisions in a timely manner

Observable Behaviors

-Is willing to make decisions in difficult or ambiguous situations when time is critical

-Takes charge of a group when necessary to facilitate change, overcome an impasse, face issues, or ensure that decisions are made

-Makes appropriate decisions with consideration of the consequences for relevant customers/stakeholders

-Implements decisions in a timely manner

Innovation

Definition

     •  Develops, sponsors, or supports the introduction of new and improved methods, products, procedures, or technologies.

Observable Behaviors

-Develops new methods or approaches

-Sponsors the development of new services, methods, or procedures

-Proposes new approaches, methods, or technologies

-Develops better, faster, or less expensive ways to do things

Works cooperatively with others to produce innovative solution

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