Roles, Competencies, and Behaviors
The purpose of this article is to explain the key elements of a career roadmap—roles, competencies, and behaviours—and their distinct purposes in defining and guiding professional development. It details how roles establish responsibilities, competencies outline required skills and knowledge, and behaviours reflect attitudes and actions. This article provides clarity on how these elements work together to support career progression and align with organisational goals.
In a career roadmap, roles, competencies, and behaviours each serve distinct purposes to define and guide professional development. Here's an explanation of each:
Role
Definition: A position or job within an organisation or industry that involves specific responsibilities, tasks, and expectations.
Purpose: Provides a clear understanding of what is expected from an individual in terms of deliverables, accountability, and overall contribution to the organisation's goals.
Example:
Role: Sales Associate
Responsibilities: Entry-level position responsible for assisting customers, organising merchandise, and providing support to the sales team.
Competency
Definition: A measurable skill, knowledge, or ability required to perform effectively in a role.
Purpose: Outlines the capabilities an individual must develop or demonstrate to succeed in their role.
Types: Can include technical skills (specific to the role) or soft skills (applicable across roles).
Example:
Competency for a Sales Associate:
Technical: CRM software proficiency
Soft: Persuasive communication, negotiation skills
Behaviour
Definition: Observable actions, attitudes, or ways of working aligned to a competency that supports role performance and career progression and reflects the values of an organisation.
Purpose: Emphasises how an individual approaches their work and interacts with others, ensuring alignment with organisational culture and expectations.
Example:
Behaviours for a Sales Associate:
Communication Skills: Listens actively to customer needs and preferences.
Negotiation Abilities: Uses persuasive techniques to influence customer decision-making.
How They Work Together in a Career Roadmap
Role: Defines what you do.
Competency: Describes how you do it effectively.
Behaviour: Reflects how you approach tasks.
In a career roadmap, these elements help individuals identify where they are, what they need to develop, and how they can align with their aspirations and organisational goals.
In a career roadmap, roles, competencies, and behaviours each serve distinct purposes to define and guide professional development. Here's an explanation of each:
Role
Definition: A position or job within an organisation or industry that involves specific responsibilities, tasks, and expectations.
Purpose: Provides a clear understanding of what is expected from an individual in terms of deliverables, accountability, and overall contribution to the organisation's goals.
Example:
Role: Sales Associate
Responsibilities: Entry-level position responsible for assisting customers, organising merchandise, and providing support to the sales team.
Competency
Definition: A measurable skill, knowledge, or ability required to perform effectively in a role.
Purpose: Outlines the capabilities an individual must develop or demonstrate to succeed in their role.
Types: Can include technical skills (specific to the role) or soft skills (applicable across roles).
Example:
Competency for a Sales Associate:
Technical: CRM software proficiency
Soft: Persuasive communication, negotiation skills
Behaviour
Definition: Observable actions, attitudes, or ways of working aligned to a competency that supports role performance and career progression and reflects the values of an organisation.
Purpose: Emphasises how an individual approaches their work and interacts with others, ensuring alignment with organisational culture and expectations.
Example:
Behaviours for a Sales Associate:
Communication Skills: Listens actively to customer needs and preferences.
Negotiation Abilities: Uses persuasive techniques to influence customer decision-making.
How They Work Together in a Career Roadmap
Role: Defines what you do.
Competency: Describes how you do it effectively.
Behaviour: Reflects how you approach tasks.
In a career roadmap, these elements help individuals identify where they are, what they need to develop, and how they can align with their aspirations and organisational goals.
Updated on: 13/02/2025
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