IT Core Competencies
Adaptability - Adapts to changes in technology and work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events; Willing to be flexible as far as work responsibilities and environment; Is seen as balanced despite the conflicting demands of the situation.
Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan; Takes responsibility for work done; Will stand up and be counted; doesn’t shirk from responsibility; Can be counted on when times are tough; Willing to be the only champion for an idea or position; Is comfortable working alone on a tough assignment.
Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values; Is widely trusted; Is seen as a direct, truthful individual; Can present the unvarnished truth in an appropriate and helpful manner; Keeps confidences; Admits mistakes; Doesn’t misrepresent him/herself for personal gain; Has integrity.
Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence; Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.
Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments. Is cool under pressure; Does not become defensive or irritated when times are tough; Is considered mature; Can be counted on to hold things together during tough times; Can handle stress; Is not knocked off balance by the unexpected; Doesn’t show frustration when resisted or blocked; Is a settling influence in a crisis; Uses diplomacy and tact; Practices attentive and active listening; Has the patience to hear people out; Can accurately restate the opinions of others even when he/she disagrees.
Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed. Is seen as a team player and is cooperative; Can be candid with peers; Can find common ground and represent his/her own interests and yet be fair to other groups.
Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.
Creative Problem Solving – Uses rigorous logic and methods to solve difficult problems with effective solutions; Probes all fruitful sources for answers; Able to see hidden problems; Is excellent at honest analysis; Looks beyond the obvious and doesn’t stop at the first answers. Comes up with a lot of new and unique ideas; Easily makes connections among previously unrelated notions; Tends to be seen as original and value-added in brainstorming settings. Is open minded; Can marshal resources (people, funding, material, support) to get things done; Uses resources effectively and efficiently.
Time management – Uses his/her time effectively and efficiently; Values time; Concentrates his/her efforts on the more important priorities; Gets more done in less time than others; Can attend to a broader range of activities; Makes decisions in a timely manner, sometimes with incomplete information and under tight deadlines and pressure; Able to make a quick decision; Can orchestrate multiple activities at once to accomplish a goal.
Dealing with paradox – Can act in ways that seem contradictory; Is very flexible and adaptable when facing tough calls; Can combine seeming opposites like being compassionately tough, stand up for self without trampling others, set strong but flexible standards; Can act differently depending upon the situation; Is seen as balanced despite the conflicting demands of the situation.