The Manager Competency Model

One of my blog reader asked me about the competency manager. Before I anwer the questions, let me remind you about what is competency?

A competency is a measurable characteristic of a person that is related to effective performance in a specific job, organization, or culture.
These characteristics are defined through empirical research. The Hay Group develop competencies through a process of observing and interviewing outstanding performers in a wide variety of jobs and roles to determine what sets these outstanding employees apart from everyone else.

These characteristics are defined in terms of behaviors—those thoughts and actions of outstanding performers. Because competencies are behavioral, they can be developed.

The Manager Today

Managers have always played a critical role in organizations. Mid and first-level managers are key in guiding and directing front-line workers to success. The impact of outstanding managers on revenues and profits is well-documented.
The world of work has changed radically in many organizations over the past twenty years. Organizations are flatter; whole levels of management have been eliminated. Increased focus on the customer and rapid response to problems and opportunities has made the manager a vital resource in solving problems. Managers used to focus on solving problems that occurred within their organization; increasingly, they solve problems that involve a number of organizational entities or that cut across the entire enterprise. To do this, they must manage laterally and up as well as down.

The Manager Competencies reflect the challenges that today’s manager faces. This model contains 11 competencies, organized in four clusters: Managing Yourself, Managing Your Team, Managing the Work, and Managing Collaboratively.

Each competency is defined in terms of four behavior levels. Level 1 is the most basic level of performance, and Level 4 the most sophisticated. For each competency, Level 3 is defined as the target level. Level 3 behaviors typically define excellence in managers’ jobs.

The Manager' Competencies

Managing Yourself
• Empathy
• Self-Control
• Self-Confidence

Managing Your Team
• Developing Others
• Holding People Accountable
• Team Leadership

Managing the Work
• Results Orientation
• Initiative
• Problem Solving

Managing Collaboratively
• Influencing Others
• Fostering Teamwork
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Source: The Hay Group, MCP Brief Guide