Competencies

Self-Assessment
Competencies are habitual behaviors that can be observed and allow the
performance of a function. They include all the related knowledge, skills,
abilities, and attributes that form a person's job and are used as a framework
to measure job performance, as well as to recruit and develop employees.

This exercise will help you think about what competencies you are using in
your day-to-day, what are your strengths and areas for improvement; as well
as thinking of concrete examples for each of them.

This exercise includes the list of the ten most demanded competencies today.
After carefully reading the description of each of the them, complete the Self
Evaluation table at the end of the document, assessing from 1 to 5:
• Ability
• Frequency of use
Competency assessment scale:
Ability Frequency of use
1 = Low 1 = Never
2 = Little developed 2 = A little
3 = Adequate 3 = Sometimes
4 = Developed 4 = Frequently
5 = Very developed 5 = Very frequently

After assessing them, indicate a specific situation in which you used the
competency.
1. Analysis & Decision-Making
• Sees implications or consequences
• Identifies causal relationships of problems, develops and evaluates
realistic alternatives, and devises practical action plans
• Understands a situation by breaking it into parts,
• Studies a problem in a systematic way to determine cause or
consequences
• Anticipates obstacles and plans way to deal with them
• Thinks ahead about steps in process
• Considers several explanations/plans, making logical conclusions

2. Creativity / Innovation / Initiative

• Ability to think creatively and generate new ideas and solutions
• Identifies opportunities for growth and / or improvement
• Has the courage to pursue ideas and to challenge the status quo
• Demonstrates resilience
• Consults with others
• Keeps up to date with new methods / thoughts
• Demonstrates a willingness to learn
• Demonstrates curiosity

3. Communication
• Ability to convey ideas effectively by using formal and informal
procedures while providing concrete data to support observations and
conclusions
• Presents information clearly – both verbal and in writing
• Demonstrates active listening
• Articulates clear objectives
• Able to build rapport
• Builds trust with others to build relationships
• Adapts communication style to the audience
4. Customer Focus
• Ability to satisfy customer’s needs, by offering value, taking care of
every aspect of the relationship
• Takes the necessary measures to discover customer needs and
• expectations while responding promptly to their suggestions
• Creates products or services that generate value
• Establishes and maintains effective relationships with customers and is
able to earn their trust

5. Dealing with Ambiguity

• Ability to effectively cope with change, shift gears comfortably, decide
and act without having the total picture, and handle risk and uncertainty

6. Entrepreneurial Spirit
• Having a mindset, an attitude and approach to thinking that actively
seeks out change, rather than waiting to adapt to change
• Embraces critical questioning, innovation, service and continuous
improvement

7. Problem-Solving
• Demonstrates active listening, observing and questioning
• Analyses situations in detail
• Able to prioritize
• Thinks creatively
• Takes responsibility for own ideas / actions
• Manages resources effectively
• Prepared to make decisions, supported by data & information
8. Results Orientation
• Puts a clear planning structure in place with success indicators
• Sets goals a2nd clearly communicates them
• Is a ‘doer’ i.e. gets things done and delivers against promises and
expectations
• Demonstrates drive and strives for more

9. Teamwork
• Ability to foster an environment of cooperation, communication and
trust between members
• Understands the strengths and weaknesses of team members
• Displays openness to diversity
• Builds good relationships

10.Time Management
• Ability to use one's time effectively, efficiently and productively
• Ability to plan and exercise conscious control of time spent on specific
activities
SELF EVALUATION

For every competence, you can think of a professional example where you have
used this competency and you can apply the STAR-method.

The STAR-method stands for Situation - Task - Action - Result. By applying this
principle to your content, you will be able to sell yourself better. Recruiters and
companies want to read that you have performed well and that you have
achieved concrete results.

Situation: the challenge/context you were involved in that lead to a

positive result
Task: what were you required to achieve?
Action: actions you took to resolve the situation or initiated to take
advantage of the opportunity; skills you used
Results: benefits (to the team, company, employees, clients) as a direct
result of your actions.
Quantify or qualify outcomes.

Competencies Ability Frequency Professional example where you

(1-5) (1-5) have used this competency
Analysis & S
Decision-Making 4 3 T
A
R
Communication S
5 4 T
A
R
Creativity / S
Innovation / T
4 4
Initiative A
R
Customer Focus S
3 2
T
A
R
Dealing with S
Ambiguity T
3 3
A
R
Entrepreneurial S
Spirit 5 4
T
A
R
Problem-Solving S
T
4 3 A
R
Results S
Orientation T
3 4
A
R
Teamwork S
T
2 4 A
R
Time S
Management T
2 4
A
R