Competencies at Work

Introduction

Are Competencies Important?

Let us begin with a common hiring scenario. After a recent resignation, your organization is interviewing for a new operations manager. The decision makers assemble to compare notes on the candidates they have interviewed. “I think Susan has the right stuff for this position,” one says. “She was poised and radiated confidence when I asked difficult questions.” Another speaks up: “I think John fits the bill. He’s energetic and really seems to be a people person.” A third interviewer prefers Bill because of his “street smarts and technical knowledge.”

These opinions are weak because the interviewers are all looking for different qualities. They lack an understanding of what it really takes to manage and ...