Core Competency Library

CORE COMPETENCY LIBRARY

A core competency is

1) A set of related knowledge, attitudes, and skills that affect a major part of the job;

2) That correlates with performance on the job;

3) That can be measured against well-accepted standards; and

4) Can be improved via training and development.

These behaviors demonstrate applied knowledge and excellent performance in the work group or entire organization, and go beyond baseline skills and knowledge in a particular role.

There are 5 sets of Core Competencies, as follows:

Supervisory Competencies Page 2

Management CompetenciesPage3

Staff CompetenciesPage 5

Professional CompetenciesPage 7

Faculty CompetenciesPage 8

Cabinet CompetenciesPage 9

Additional Finance Division CompetencyPage 11

Business Manager CompetenciesPage 12

Competencies may be added to the Performance Management Tool, in consultation with the Division of Human Resources, however, the Core Competencies must remain.

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SUPERVISORY COMPETENCIES / Proficient / Development Required / Assessment Comments
Knowledge of Business
- Understands the essentials of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s competitive position and strategy
- Understands how his/her area of responsibility contributes to RPI’s success
Specialized Knowledge
- Remains current in field of expertise through seminars, professional associations, etc.
- Utilizes knowledge of field/industry to make practical applications in everyday operations
Judgment/Decision Making
-Assesses situations, considers alternatives and chooses appropriate course of action
-Establishes priorities and organizes work in a logical manner to accomplish goals
-Makes decisions or advises appropriate personnel of situation
Directing Others
-Sets clear objectives; distributes the workload appropriately
-Maintains two-way dialogue with others on work and results
-Lets people finish and be responsible for their work
- Monitors process, progress, and results
Customer Focus
- Dedicated to meeting the expectations of internal and external customers
- Accepts personal responsibility for customer satisfaction
- Establishes and maintains personal relationships with customers and gains their trust and respect to obtain first hand customer information and use it for improvement of delivery of services
Management of Change
- Recognizes and implements change internally and externally to maintain RPI’s competitive position
- Adept at creating the capacity for change through appropriate problem solving, innovation, role and relationship influence
- Supports change initiatives at RPI
Financial
-Monitors and tracks budget
- Develops accurate financial data and projections for inclusion in annual budget process
- Justifies expenditures which exceed budget limits
Personal Credibility
- Follows-through on commitments and service promises
- Strictly maintains privacy and confidentiality
- Respects rights of all co-workers and customers
- Behaves in an ethical manner in everyday situations
Commitment to Teamwork
-Develops and maintains cooperative relationships with others at all levels of the organization
-Shares information, resources, and ideas
-Demonstrates flexibility in work practices, procedures or processes
-Works effectively with others to accomplish tasks and goals and to find solutions to problems
-Participates in and actively supports group decisions
-Works actively to resolve conflict to a positive outcome
Process Management
- Determines processes necessary to get things done
- Breaks down work into process steps
- Manages schedules and tasks to complete all assignments
- Monitors process, progress, and results
MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES / Proficient / Development Required / Assessment Comments
Decision Making Quality
-Makes good decisions based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment
-Most of his/her solutions and suggestions turn out to be correct and accurate when judged over time
-Sought out by others for advice and solutions
Directing Others
-Good at establishing clear directions
-Sets stretching objectives; distributes the workload appropriately
-Lays out work in a well-planned and organized manner
-Maintains two-way dialogue with others on work and results
-Brings out the best in other people
-Is a clear communicator
Organizational Skills
-Can marshal resources (people, funding, material, support) to get things done
-Can orchestrate multiple activities at once to accomplish a goal
-Uses resources effectively and efficiently
Planning
-Accurately scopes out length and difficulty of tasks and projects
-Sets objectives and goals
-Breaks down work into the process steps
-Develops schedules and task/people assignment
-Anticipates and adjusts for problems and roadblocks
-Evaluates results
Problem Solving Skills
-Uses rigorous logic and methods to solve difficult problems with effective solutions
-Probes all fruitful sources for answers
-Can see hidden problems
-Is excellent at honest analysis; looks beyond obvious
EffectiveTeamBuilding Skills
-Blends people into teams when needed
-Creates strong morale and spirit in his/her team
-Shares wins and successes
-Lets people finish and be responsible for their work
-Defines success in terms of the whole team
-Creates a feeling of belonging in the team
Managing and Measuring Work
-Clearly assigns responsibility for tasks and decisions
-Sets clear objectives and measures
-Monitors process, progress, and results
-Designs feedback loops into work
Financial
- Develops and presents budgets that realistically reflect the needs of his/her departmental or division
- Initiates cost containment measures within area of responsibility
- Monitors budget variances and takes corrective action
Commitment to Teamwork
-Develops and maintains cooperative relationships with others at all levels of the organization
-Shares information, resources, and ideas
-Demonstrates flexibility in work practices, procedures or processes
-Works effectively with others to accomplish tasks and goals and to find solutions to problems
-Participates in and actively supports group decisions
-Works actively to resolve conflict to a positive outcome
Specialized Knowledge
- Keeps abreast of trends in his/her field of expertise
- Makes practical application of specialized knowledge in everyday situations
- Serves as a resource for co-workers in area of specialized knowledge
Personal Credibility
- Follows-through on commitments and service promises
- Strictly maintains privacy and confidentiality
- Respects rights of all co-workers and customers
- Behaves in an ethical manner in everyday situations
Process Management
- Determines processes necessary to get things done
- Breaks down work into process steps
- Manages schedules and tasks to complete all assignments
- Monitors process, progress, and results
Customer Focus
- Dedicated to meeting the expectations of customers
- Takes personal responsibility for customer satisfaction
- Develops communication channels to fully understand customer expectations

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STAFFCOMPETENCIES / Proficient / Development Required / Assessment Comments
Knowledge of Business
- Understands RPI’s industry and marketplace
- Understands basic organizational structure of RPI
- Understands his/her contribution to RPI’s success
Service & Technical Knowledge
- Utilizes expertise in delivering services in area of responsibility
- Explains the services his/her department is responsible for and performs those services efficiently and effectively
- Works cooperatively with others to fulfill service commitments
- Uses good judgment in responding to emergencies
- Keeps abreast of trends in his/her field of expertise
- Makes practical application of specialized knowledge in everyday situations
- Serves as a resource for co-workers in area of specialized knowledge
Customer Focus
- Dedicated to meeting the expectations of customers
- Takes personal responsibility for customer satisfaction
- Develops communication channels to fully understand customer expectations
Management of Change
- Learns and applies new techniques and technology
-Adapts behavior and work methods in response to changing conditions or unexpected barriers
Process Management
- Determines processes necessary to get things done
-Understands how to separate and combine tasks into efficient work flow
- Manages schedules and tasks to complete all assignments
Personal Credibility
- Complies with all time and attendance requirements
- Respects rights of co-workers and customers and acts in a courteous manner
- Exhibits pride in services provided and speaks positively of RPI
- Follows-through on commitments and service promises
Commitment to Teamwork
-Develops and maintains cooperative relationships with others at all levels of the organization
-Shares information, resources, and ideas
-Demonstrates flexibility in work practices, procedures or processes
-Works effectively with others to accomplish tasks and goals and to find solutions to problems
-Participates in and actively supports group decisions
-Works actively to resolve conflict to a positive outcome
Analytical Thinking and Decision Making
-Tackles problem by using a logical, systematic, sequential approach.
-Makes a systematic comparison of two or more alternatives.
-Notices discrepancies and inconsistencies in available information.
-Approaches a complex task or problem by breaking it down into its component parts and considering each part in detail.
-Identifies many possible causes for a problem.
Interpersonal and Communication Skills:
-Effectively receives and conveys ideas and information orally and/or in writing;
- Productively participates in meetings as applicable
- Contributes to a suitable communicationenvironment.
Quantity of Work:
-Successfully completes an adequate volume of work on a timely basis
-Establishes appropriate priorities for fulfilling various job tasks
-Demonstrates the ability to plan job tasks in an efficient manner and the flexibility to meet changes in priorities and to accommodate work interruptions.

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PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES / Proficient / Development Required / Assessment Comments
Specialized Knowledge
- Keeps abreast of trends in his/her field of expertise
- Makes practical application of specialized knowledge in everyday situations
- Serves as a resource for co-workers in area of specialized knowledge
Process Management
- Determines processes necessary to get things done
- Breaks down work into process steps
- Manages schedules and tasks to complete all assignments
- Monitors process, progress, and results
Customer Focus
- Dedicated to meeting the expectations of customers
- Takes personal responsibility for customer satisfaction
- Develops communication channels to fully understand customer expectations
Commitment to Teamwork
-Develops and maintains cooperative relationships with others at all levels of the organization
-Shares information, resources, and ideas
-Demonstrates flexibility in work practices, procedures or processes
-Works effectively with others to accomplish tasks and goals and to find solutions to problems
-Participates in and actively supports group decisions
-Works actively to resolve conflict to a positive outcome
Knowledge Of Business
- Understands the essentials of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s competitive position and strategy
- Understands how his/her area of responsibility contributes to RPI’s success
Management of Change
- Learns and applies new procedures and techniques
-Adapts behavior and work methods in response to changing conditions or unexpected barriers
- Supports change initiatives within department and throughout RPI
Analytical Thinking and Decision Making
–Tackles problem by using a logical, systematic, sequential approach.
–Makes a systematic comparison of two or more alternatives.
–Notices discrepancies and inconsistencies in available information.
–Identifies a set of features, parameters, or considerations to take into account, in analyzing a situation or making a decision.
–Approaches a complex task or problem by breaking it down into its component parts and considering each part in detail.
–Weighs the costs, benefits, risks, and chances for success, in making a decision.
–Identifies many possible causes for a problem.
–Carefully weighs the priority of things to be done.
Personal Credibility
- Follows-through on commitments and service promises
- Strictly protects confidentiality and privacy of information and people
- Respects rights of co-workers and customers and acts in a courteous manner
- Exhibits pride in services provided and speaks positively of RPI
- Acknowledges and expresses appreciation for excellent service observed or received from other employees

1

FACULTY COMPETENCIES / Proficient / Development Required / Assessment Comments
Academic Specialty:
- Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and expertise in the area of specialization.
- Acquire, analyze, interpret, and apply research in program development and implementation.
- Communicate research findings and their implications orally and in writing to colleagues and clientele.
Teaching and Learning:
- Develop goals and objectives, performance indicators, focused and practical lesson plans and materials for a variety of audiences through an understanding of the teaching/learning process.
- Demonstrate knowledge of group dynamics, learning environment and its effect on learning.
- Relate effectively to all audiences.
- Demonstrate knowledge about educational and societal issues in the community and state, and develop appropriate programs to meet the needs of citizen.
- Demonstrate knowledge of educational practices, principles, and learning styles.
Educational Design:
- Determine learner needs and assets and match these to program design.
- Examine and organize content, selecting appropriate teaching tools.
- Create an effective learning environment, working toward specific outcomes.
Evaluation:
- Effectively evaluate educational programs.
- Participate effectively in program evaluation, matching the evaluation technique to the program.
- Communicate the impact of programs to internal and external audiences.

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CABINET COMPETENCIES / Proficient / Development Required / Assessment Comments

Managing Vision and Purpose

- Creates and communicates a compelling and inspired vision or sense of core purpose
- Sees beyond today
- Sees possibilities; is optimistic
- Creates mileposts and symbols to rally support behind vision
- Makes the vision sharable by everyone
- Can inspire and motivate entire units or organizations

Strategic Agility

- Sees ahead clearly
- Can anticipate future consequences and tends accurately
- Has broad knowledge and perspective
- Is future oriented
- Can articulately paint credible pictures and visions of possibilities and likelihoods
- Can create competitive and breakthrough strategies and plans

Managing Diversity

- Manages all kinds of classes of people equitably
- Deals effectively with all races, nationalities, cultures, handicaps, ages and both sexes
- Hires variety and diversity without regard to class
- Supports equal and fair treatment and opportunity for all

Business Acumen

- Knowledgeable in current and possible future policies, practices, trends, and information affecting Rensselaer
- Knows the competition
- Is aware of how strategies and tactics work in the marketplace
Decision Quality
- Makes good decisions based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment
- Most of his/her solutions and suggestions turn out to be correct and accurate when judged over time
- Sought out by others for advice and solutions
Delegation
- Clearly and comfortably delegates both routine and important tasks and decisions
- Broadly shares both responsibility and accountability
- Tends to trust people to perform
- Lets subordinates finish their own work

Developing Direct Reports

- Provides challenging and stretching tasks and assignments
- Holds frequent development discussions
- Constructs compelling developmental plans and executes them
- Pushes subordinates to accept developmental moves
- Will take subordinates who need work
- Brings out the best in people
- Is a people builder
- Is aware of each subordinate’s career goals

Integrity and Trust

- Is widely trusted
- Is seen as a direct, truthful individual
- Can present the unvarnished truth in an appropriate and helpful manner
- Keeps confidences
- Doesn’t blame others for his/her own mistakes or misrepresent him/herself for personal gain or protection

Motivating Others

- Can motivate many kinds of subordinates and team or project members
- Can assess each person’s hot button and use it to get the best out of them
- Pushes tasks and decisions down
- Empowers others
- Invites input from each person and shares ownership and visibility
- Makes each individual feel their work is important
- Is someone people like working for and with

Political Savvy

- Can maneuver through complex political situations effectively and quietly
- Is sensitive to how people and organizations function
- Anticipates where the land mines are and plans his/her approach accordingly
- Views corporate politics as a necessary part of organizational life and works to adjust to that reality

Results

- Can be counted on to exceed goals successfully
- Is constantly and consistently one of the top performers
- Very bottom-line oriented
- Steadfastly pushes self and others for results

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ADD THIS COMPETENCY TO ALL FINANCE DIVISION PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT TOOLS

Demonstrates commitment to the Division of Finance team operating agreement:
-Respects co-workers.
-Acts a Role Model to each other and to those outside the Division demonstrating the principles of honesty and accountability.
-Recognizes and Appreciates the efforts of others.
-Communicates with each other in a clear, concise and honest manner.

1

BUSINESS MANAGER COMPETENCIES / Proficient / Development Required / Assessment Comments
Decision Making Quality
-Makes good decisions based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment
-Most of his/her solutions and suggestions turn out to be correct and accurate when judged over time
-Sought out by others for advice and solutions
Personal Credibility
- Follows-through on commitments and service promises
- Strictly maintains privacy and confidentiality
- Respects rights of all co-workers and customers
- Behaves in an ethical manner in everyday situations
Directing Others
-Good at establishing clear directions
-Sets stretching objectives; distributes the workload appropriately
-Lays out work in a well-planned and organized manner
-Maintains two-way dialogue with others on work and results
-Brings out the best in other people
-Is a clear communicator
Organizational Skills
-Can marshal resources (people, funding, material, support) to get things done
-Can orchestrate multiple activities at once to accomplish a goal
-Uses resources effectively and efficiently
Planning
-Accurately scopes out length and difficulty of tasks and projects
-Sets objectives and goals
-Breaks down work into the process steps
-Develops schedules and task/people assignment
-Anticipates and adjusts for problems and roadblocks
-Evaluates results
Problem Solving Skills
-Uses rigorous logic and methods to solve difficult problems with effective solutions
-Probes all fruitful sources for answers
-Can see hidden problems
-Is excellent at honest analysis; looks beyond obvious
EffectiveTeamBuilding Skills
-Blends people into teams when needed
-Creates strong morale and spirit in his/her team
-Shares wins and successes
-Lets people finish and be responsible for their work
-Defines success in terms of the whole team
-Creates a feeling of belonging in the team
Managing and Measuring Work
-Clearly assigns responsibility for tasks and decisions
-Sets clear objectives and measures
-Monitors process, progress, and results
-Designs feedback loops into work
Financial
- Develops and presents budgets that realistically reflect the needs of his/her departmental or division
- Initiates cost containment measures within area of responsibility
- Monitors budget variances and takes corrective action
Commitment to Teamwork
-Develops and maintains cooperative relationships with others at all levels of the organization
-Shares information, resources, and ideas
-Demonstrates flexibility in work practices, procedures or processes
-Works effectively with others to accomplish tasks and goals and to find solutions to problems
-Participates in and actively supports group decisions
-Works actively to resolve conflict to a positive outcome
Specialized Knowledge
- Keeps abreast of trends in his/her field of expertise
- Makes practical application of specialized knowledge in everyday situations
- Serves as a resource for co-workers in area of specialized knowledge
Personal Credibility
- Follows-through on commitments and service promises
- Strictly protects confidentiality and privacy of information and people
- Respects rights of co-workers and customers and acts in a courteous manner
- Exhibits pride in services provided and speaks positively of RPI
- Acknowledges and expresses appreciation for excellent service observed or received from other employees
Process Management
- Determines processes necessary to get things done
- Breaks down work into process steps
- Manages schedules and tasks to complete all assignments
- Monitors process, progress, and results
Customer Focus
- Dedicated to meeting the expectations of customers
- Takes personal responsibility for customer satisfaction
- Develops communication channels to fully understand customer expectations

1