How Do I Use Competencies For My Career?
If you’re a mid-career manager, you’ve probably come across the term competencies more than once. Maybe it was in a performance review, or it came up in a conversation with HR, or it’s a buzzword in your industry. But what exactly are competencies, and how can understanding them help you in your career journey? In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, mastering your competencies can be a game-changer for your professional growth, enabling you to lead more effectively, adapt to challenges, and propel your career forward.
Understanding Competencies: The Core Unit of Skills, Knowledge, and Attributes
Competencies are, quite simply, the measurable skills, knowledge, and attributes that contribute to successful performance in a role. Think of them as the building blocks of what makes you an effective manager, team player, and leader. Unlike general skills or knowledge, competencies are tied directly to behaviors and actions that drive success. For example, while "communication skills" might be a general attribute, the competency might specifically focus on "clear, effective communication that fosters collaboration and understanding in the team."
Competencies can be split into two types:
- Core Competencies: These are foundational skills that are relevant across various roles and industries, such as communication, problem-solving, and adaptability.
- Role-Specific Competencies: These are tied to specific functions within a role. For instance, a competency for a marketing manager might be “strategic content planning” or “data-driven campaign management.”
When you understand which competencies are most valuable to your role and organization, you can use them as a roadmap for your own development. This awareness helps you identify the gaps between your current capabilities and the skills required to move up or take on new responsibilities.
Leveraging Competencies for Career Growth
By focusing on competencies, you have a clear, measurable framework to guide your development. Here’s how you can use competencies to accelerate your career growth:
1. Assess Your Current Competencies
Start by evaluating your current competencies. Many organizations provide competency frameworks, but if yours doesn’t, you can still assess yourself against the competencies that are relevant to your role or industry. Consider asking for feedback from peers, mentors, or supervisors to get a clearer picture of where you stand.
2. Identify Developmental Gaps
Once you know where you are, you can identify areas for growth. If you're aiming for a higher role, look at the competencies required and ask yourself where you fall short. For example, if a senior position requires “strategic decision-making,” and you feel you need more experience with this, you’ve identified a competency gap to work on.
3. Set Targeted Goals
Competencies provide a roadmap for goal-setting. Rather than aiming for vague improvement goals like "become a better leader," you can set specific, competency-based goals, such as “develop active listening skills to improve team morale” or “build data analysis skills to make informed decisions.”
4. Seek Developmental Experiences
One of the best ways to build competencies is through hands-on experience. Look for opportunities in your current role to practice and refine your skills. You might volunteer to lead a project to work on your leadership competencies, or you could shadow a senior colleague to build industry-specific knowledge.
5. Engage with a Coach
A professional coach can be a valuable resource in navigating competency development. Coaches help you identify the competencies that matter most for your goals, create personalized development plans, and provide feedback as you work on your skills. A coach from BOLDLY can offer insights into how you’re progressing and support you in reaching the competencies needed to excel in your role.
Why Competencies Matter for Your Future Success
As you build and strengthen your competencies, you’re not only enhancing your performance in your current role but also positioning yourself as a stronger candidate for future roles. By focusing on specific competencies, you develop the confidence and capabilities needed to tackle complex challenges, manage larger teams, or pivot into new areas.
Remember, competencies aren’t just about what you know—they’re about how you apply that knowledge. When you commit to developing your competencies, you’re investing in a future where you can contribute more effectively and meaningfully to your team and organization.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re serious about using competencies to grow your career, consider watching our video on the power of competencies in career development. And when you’re ready to take the next step, reach out to BOLDLY. Our experienced coaches can work with you to create a customized competency development plan, helping you become the leader you aspire to be.
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