Review Descriptions

If you choose to complete a Competency Review for your employee, the descriptions below will describe each competency in detail and provide examples of each in the workplace.

Accountability

Demonstrates a high level of dependability in all aspects of the job. Owns up to own words and actions. Can be relied on consistently.

For example:

Completes all assigned tasks on time and with minimal supervision
arrives at work on time every day
fulfills all commitments made to peers, co-workers, supervisors, and customers
admits mistakes, misjudgments, or errors; immediately informs others when unable to meet a commitment
does not pretend to have all the answers
takes personal responsibility for seeing efforts through to completion and/or tough decisions, etc.

Adaptability

Responds to change with a willingness to learn new ways to accomplish work objectives and with a positive attitude.

For example:

sees the merits of new or different approaches to accomplishing work tasks
asks questions to understand the objectives of changes
seeks opportunities to make changes work rather than identifying reasons why changes won’t be successful
makes suggestions for increasing the effectiveness of changes
shows willingness to learn new methods, procedures, techniques or systems resulting from departmental or College-wide changes
able to shift strategy in response to the demands of a situation, etc.

Analytical Thinking/Problem Solving

Works systematically and logically to resolve problems, identify causation and anticipate unexpected results. Manages issues by drawing on own experience and knowledge and calls on other resources as necessary.

For example:

undertakes complex tasks and breaks them down into manageable parts in a systematic way
thinks of multiple possible causes and anticipates consequences of situations
thinks of possible alternatives for a situation
recognizes and reconciles data discrepancies
identifies information needed to effectively solve problems
weighs the pros and cons of options and alternatives
systematically changes variables to determine effects on the whole, etc.

Customer Focus/Service

Keeps internal and/or external customer(s) in mind at all times. Strives to proactively address customer concerns and needs. Assists business partners and customers achieve their work goals via application of their own skills and knowledge; strives to provide consistent customer satisfaction.

For example:

creates opportunities for customers to clarify and prioritize business expectations
enlists the agreement and support of customers before moving forward with key decisions
follows up with customers to make certain they are satisfied and ask whether further assistance is necessary
actively listens to customers and involves them in all stages of planning
views situations from the perspective of the customer
talks easily with customers about their need
discusses options with customer for alternate ways to meet expectations efficiently and cost-effectively, etc.

Effectiveness

Makes a commitment to accomplish tasks better, more quickly, or at a lower cost.

For example:

Identifies inefficiencies and takes steps to eliminate them
Delegates work effectively to optimize use of own time
Expedites the work of others by running interference and fielding external problems
Redirects and refocuses meetings when discussions go off track

Initiative

Evaluates, selects and acts on strategies for solving problems and meeting objectives before being asked to do so. Begins actions to influence events and/or to achieve goals. Sees opportunities for action and acts on them.

For example:

Does things before being asked
Recognizes and acts upon opportunities
Creates opportunities or minimizes potential problems by anticipating and preparing for them in advance
Willing and eager

Planning and Organization

Establishes a systematic course of action for self and others in order to accomplish objectives; determines priorities and allocates resources effectively.

For example:

Uses systems to keep track of information; keeps detailed records as necessary
Effectively sets priorities with an appropriate sense of what is most important
Anticipates obstacles realistically
Manages time effectively to meet schedules and deadlines
Effectively handles multiple demands and competing priorities
Checks with relevant constituents to be sure tasks, time frames, budgets are realistic and complete
Tackles complex projects by breaking them into manageable components

Professional/Technical/Procedural Expertise

Applies specialized knowledge, skills and judgment to accomplish desired results and/or provide excellent customer service.

For example:

Understands procedural and technical aspects of one’s job
available to assist others in solving professional or technical problems
performs procedural steps in the correct order, accurately and on time to complete activity
demonstrates resourcefulness in acquiring additional professional expertise
keeps up to date on resources available to meet the needs of customers, internal and external

Project Management

Assures successful project completion by establishing a systematic course of action for self and other members of project team; the ability to monitor progress toward a goal and make adjustments accordingly.

For example:

Gather and analyze relevant information to plan a course of action
Use appropriate resources for information and expertise
Alerts appropriate parties immediately about potential problems
Anticipates obstacles and develops contingency plans
Monitors and tracks project plan implementation to ensure timely completion
Documents project progress, changes, decision points as necessary
Meets project management commitments with minimal supervision

Safety and Environment Awareness

Performs job in a manner that minimizes hazards to oneself, others, as well as the environment.

For example:

keeps work areas clean and safe and takes action to remove or remediate safety hazards in own work area and within the organization
Follows appropriate hazardous waste management procedures
Knows the departmental emergency plans for fires , disasters and campus emergencies
Recognizes and acknowledges safe behaviors exhibited by co-workers
Regularly communicates safety and environment awareness as a priority
Considers impact on environment as practices and procedures are developed and work is delegated.

Supervisory Skills

Demonstrates the abilities of a skilled supervisor/manager on a daily basis. There are many aspects to being an accomplished and successful supervisor and we have provided a few general examples:

Manages employees effectively for optimal performance
Manage conflicts among subordinates
Delegate tasks when possible to accomplish work efficiently and effectively
Develop the skills of others
Provide strong leadership and team building; build relationships among your teams
Serve as an effective project manager

Team Participation

Promotes a team atmosphere and willingly cooperates with others to achieve organization objectives.

Demonstrate respect for the opinions and ideas of others
Readily shares information with others appropriately
Supports final group decisions even when the decisions may not reflect one’s own position
Works well with all employees, capitalizing on the strengths of diversity
Listens to all points of view
Gives credit and recognition to all who have contributed
Takes personal responsibility for mistakes and does not lay blame on others
Demonstrates interest in helping others solve problems
Finds areas of agreement when working with conflicting groups or individuals

Verbal Communication

Effectively expresses ideas and thoughts verbally in individual or group situations to bring about understanding.

For example:

Presents oneself clearly and articulately when presenting to a group
Uses examples, analogies to clarify ideas and thoughts
Uses vocabulary that is appropriate to the audience
Uses additional resources (e.g., visual aids, graphics, etc.) appropriately
Keeps communication clear, straightforward, translates technical terms as appropriate
Enhances listeners understanding of the issues or ideas being expressed

Written Communication

Expresses thoughts and ideas clearly in writing using correct grammar, organization and structure

For example:

Produces written materials that are organized and easy to understand
Uses examples as appropriate to convey content
Uses proper spelling, punctuation and grammar
Keeps written material organized, concise and relevant