Core Competencies: Definitions and Performance Examples

We’ve previously looked at the different levels of core competencies. Take a look at our in-depth analysis of core competencies and the different levels each present. In that blog, we took a look at a range of competencies, from accountability to strategic perspective. In today’s blog, we are going to take a slightly different view of core competencies. We are going to provide you with some examples of core competencies. Let’s get into it.

12 Core Competencies Examples Explained

Accountability

Definition

Exemplifies a high level of ownership and commitment to their own results, the team, and the organizations.

Performance Examples

1. Employees completing tasks assigned to them in a timely manner.
2. Employees being responsible for their specific duties
3. Employees working towards a common organizational goal.
4. Assumes responsibility for the whole team’s results

Communication

Definition

Listen, speaks and writes with coherency, clarity and concisely.

Performance Examples

1. Increases the value of work communication.
2. Uses personal and organizational knowledge to enhance value.
3. Provides timely and appropriate communication.
4. Tailors communicate to the audience.

Composure

Definition

Responds in a constructive manner to situations of heightened pressure, emotions and conflict.

Performance Examples

1. Achieves mutually agreeable results in a time of conflict.
2. Deals with difficult colleagues and clients in a productive manner.
3. Adjusts effectively to difficult situations.

Decision Making

Definition

The process of making choices by identifying potential decisions, gathering information and recognizing potential outcomes.

Performance Examples

1. Makes decisions that consider the value and principles of an organization.
2. Makes decisions by providing clarity in ambiguous situations.
3. Develops effective solutions.

Problem Solving

Definition

Takes a systematic approach to problem-solving

Performance Examples

1. Promotes problem-solving as an integral process within the organization.
2. Uses available resources, information, and personnel when solving problems.
3. Uses sound judgment and common sense.

Self-Development

Definition

Self-development refers to the extent to which an individual is concerned with bettering themselves by learning new skills and gaining experience.

Performance Examples

1. Takes full advantage of the opportunities provided to them and seeks out their own opportunities.
2. Reviews one’s progress against development goals.
3. Responds proactively to feedback.

Strategic Purpose

Definition

Has a clear grasp on broader, longer-term vision for their work and the work of the organization.

Performance Examples

1. Shares the organizational vision with colleagues, managers, and stakeholders.
2. Seeks out information and trends which may have an impact on the organization.

Leadership

Definition

The action of leading a group of people or an organization.

Performance Examples

1. Maintains team motivation and engagement.
2. Assigns duties and responsibilities.
3. Fosters enthusiasm and commitment.
4. Resolves conflicts.

Listening

Definition

Giving one’s active attention to another and take notice of actions and words.

Examples

1. Freely listens to others.
2. Shows empathy.
3. Recognizes and understands non-verbal cues.

Sharing Expertise

Definition

Willing to share one’s knowledge. Motivated to expand knowledge.

Performance Examples

1. Answers questions from colleagues and clients.
2. Provides expert knowledge.
3. Regularly introduces new knowledge to others.

Critical Thinking

Definition

Objective analysis and evaluation of information to form a sound judgment.

Performance Examples

1. Breaks down complex, multidimensional problems.
2. Recognizes subtle information.
3. Establish relationships and links between information.

Flexibility

Definition

The ability to provide effective work in a variety of situations, people and information.

Performance Examples

1. Willingly adapts plans.
2. Responds quickly and proactively to developing situations.
3. Oversees small and large scale changes.

Developing Others

Definition

The want to develop the long-term growth of others.

Performance Examples

1. Arranges training, mentoring, education to aid development.
2. Provides recognition and appreciation.
3. Shows confidence in other’s potential.

Goal Setting

Definition

Sets appropriate individual and team goals.

Performance Examples

1. Monitors progress.
2. Develops goals that best contribute to the team and the wider organization.
3. Evaluates goal progression and adapts where appropriate.

Above we’ve considered the key competencies in the workplace and given some examples of how these competencies can be achieved. Can you think of any more core competencies which we’ve missed?