A core competency is knowledge or expertise in a given area. Core competencies can be assessed by observing a person’s behavior at work, while playing a sport or by reviewing a company’s output.
Examples of Core Competency
- Analytical Thinking – Applies logic to solve problems and get the job done.
- Client Service – Ability to respond to the clients and anticipate their needs.
- Computer Competency – Is skilled at operating a computer.
- Conflict Resolution – Works to resolve differences and maintain work relationships.
- Continuous Education – Implements professional development and training.
- Creative Thinking – Ability to look outside the box and develop new strategies.
- Decision Making – Can make decisions and take responsibility for them.
- Document Use – Ability to use and understand documents.
- Empowers Others – Gives employees confidence and allows freedom to complete tasks.
- Ethics – Has personal and professional ethics and fosters a diverse and respectful workplace.
- Evaluation – Ability to evaluate according to accepted methodologies.
- Even Temperament – Controlling emotions and not retaliating to negative behavior.
- Excellent communication – Can use language effectively to gather information and facilitate the exchange of ideas.
- Flexibility – Ability to adapt to changes while keeping focus on goals and apply knowledge to new circumstances.
- Influence – Can enlist the support and cooperation of others and encourage them to be proactive.
- Initiative – Ability to obtain information from several sources to address present needs.
- Interpersonal Relations – Exhibits respect and understand of others to maintain professional relationships.
- Interpersonal Awareness: The ability to have and show empathy to others. Listens well and responds in a non-threatening way.
- Leadership – The ability to establish a team effort that promotes working towards a common goal.
- Management Skills – Financial and people management as well as the management of information on several levels.
- Manages Change – Has the ability to implement and deal with change and creates the environment that helps people change.
- Oral Communication – Skilled at oral communication and can express oneself in conversations and when addressing an audience. Can organize ideas, including summarizing, and explain them concisely.
- Personal Credibility – Takes responsibility for actions and shows that one is reliable and trustworthy. Is honest and does his or her fair share.
- Persuasive Communication – Skilled at both oral and written communication that can influence others. Uses effectual examples and visual aids that have an impact on the audience.
- Problem Solving – Solves problems while ensuring rules and directives are followed.
- Project Management – Can bring together all aspects of a project, such as resources or planning, that are needed to complete it efficiently and in a timely manner.
- Public Speaking – Being an effective speaker.
- Results Oriented – Achieves goals in a timely manner while providing excellent client service.
- Risk Management & Assessment – Taking action to evaluate and minimize risks to the company and its employees.
- Thoroughness – Sees to it that one’s own and others’ work is accurate and complete. Works with diligence and care and ensures all commitments are fulfilled.
- Writing Skills – Has excellent writing and grammar skills, and has the ability to write concisely, clearly and logically.
These examples of different kinds of core competency show how the main strength of a person or a group is its core competency.
