Behavioral Competencies

Behavioral competencies are the skills, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics needed for success in a particular role. They describe expectations for how results are achieved and include technical, leadership, and interpersonal factors.

• Technical competencies are specific to the job, discipline, or functional area, e.g., financial analysis, programming, design, etc.
• The leadership competencies are more about how you work with others to achieve results. 

For example, behaviors such as the ability to "maintain productive relationships with others even when faced with conflict" or to "listen respectfully and openly to others regardless of level, position, or background" describe competencies in building relationships. The Talent Strategy team developed a leadership competency model that groups the key competencies into specific University of Minnesota Leadership Challenges:

• Inclusion and Belonging Competencies:
  • Demonstrates an Open Mind
  • Increases Access & Inclusion
• Results Competencies:
  • Innovates
  • Drives Efficiency
  • Decision-Making and Analysis
• Vision Competencies:
  • Thinks Strategically
• Engagement Competencies:
  • Develops Talent
  • Models Resiliency
• Collaboration Competencies:
  • Builds Relationships
  • Motivates and Inspires Others
  • Faces Conflict with Courage
• Accountability Competencies:
  • Promotes Accountability
  • Learns and Adapts.

What's Next? - Focus on Development

Consider including leadership competencies in goal setting for performance management - this will help facilitate meaningful developmental conversations. Think about the work priorities for the next year and what behaviors will be most helpful/important in achieving the results, i.e. the "HOW" of performance. 

Take the assessment below and ask your supervisor and your direct reports to take the assessment. Discuss the results during your ongoing check-in meetings. Do you agree on which competencies are more important to focus on given the type of work? Which competencies might be helpful to include in your annual goal setting?