HRSG Competency Toolkit
HRSG Competency Toolkit
COMPETENCY
TOOLKIT
The HRSG About the
Competency Toolkit Toolkit Authors
This comprehensive resource contains data, best practices, HRSG is a recognized global leader in competency
and digital tools to help HR professionals understand development, an innovator in competency technology, and
competencies and expand their understanding of a a consultant in competency-based management, bringing
competency-based approach to attracting, retaining, and more than 30 years of expertise to the discipline. We hope
developing organizational talent. this information helps you begin your journey in this field
or deepen your understanding of competencies and their
Read it from start to finish for a deep dive into the discipline application to the talent lifecycle.
of competency-based management or skim specific chapters
to explore a particular topic.
40% lower turnover among high performers 87% greater ability to hire the best people
17% lower overall voluntary turnover
26% higher revenue per employee 92% greater ability to respond to changing
economic conditions
19% improvement in employee performance
144% greater ability to plan for future
workforce needs
Source: Sherman Garr, S., (2012) Integrated Talent Management: A Roadmap for Success.
Bersin and Associates
Reputation. Has the competency content been developed by a company with extensive expertise?
Validation. Has the competency content been tested in real-world workplace conditions?
Inclusivity. Has the competency content been written in gender-neutral and culturally appropriate language?
Selection.
Does the competency content include a full range of leadership, universal, and technical
competencies?
Observability.
Does the competency content clearly describe multiple observable behaviors that define success on
the job?
Structure.
Does each competency include multiple levels that define success at various levels of proficiency?
Or is the competency only defined with a single level? (Learn more about this topic in the
“Understanding Competency Structures” section of the toolkit.)
TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES
Technical competencies describe the application
of knowledge and skills needed for success in
specialized fields.
Examples of technical competencies include:
• Business development (needed for sales roles)
• Fraud detection and control (needed for
accounting and finance roles)
• Database administration (needed for IT roles)
MULTI-LEVEL COMPETENCY
STRUCTURE
Effective competencies are structured to include behavioral
indicators for multiple levels of proficiency. A multi-
level competency includes up to five progressive levels of
proficiency, with each level defined with a summary and a
set of behavioral indicators. The higher the proficiency level,
the more sophisticated the behaviors and responsibilities
become.
Not all competencies are structured to include this level
of detail, but research shows that competencies are
most effective when defined at multiple levels. Multi-
level competencies enable everyone in the organization
to see what the path to greater proficiency looks like,
assess employees against future career goals, and create
development plans that help them achieve those goals.
CLIENT FOCUS
1 Providing service excellence to internal and/or external clients.
4
Responds to client needs Follows up with clients Looks for ways to add Acts as a seasoned adviser, Formulates strategies
in a timely, professional, during and after delivery of value beyond clients’ providing independent and processes to evaluate
helpful, and courteous services to ensure that their immediate requests. opinion on complex emerging and longer-term
manner, regardless of needs have been met. client problems and novel opportunities and threats
Addresses the unidentified,
client attitude. Maintains service to clients underlying and long-term initiatives, and assisting to meeting clients’ needs.
Shows clients that their during critical periods. client needs. with decision-making. Determines strategic
perspectives are valued. Addresses clients’ issues in Enhances client service Pushes client to consider business direction to best
difficult issues that are in meet clients’ evolving
Strives to meet service order of priority. delivery systems and
standards in all processes. their best interests. needs.
Keeps clients up to date
circumstances. Advocates on behalf of Evaluates the client
on the progress of the Anticipates clients’
service they are receiving upcoming needs and clients to more senior service model and service
and changes that affect concerns. management, identifying standards to identify areas
approaches that meet for improvement.
them.
clients’ needs as well as
those of the organization.
Legend
1 The competency definition provides a high-level description of the competency.
2 The proficiency scale provides multiple proficiency levels for each competency. Each level reflects a progression from
a basic demonstration of the competency towards a more complex and strategic demonstration. For example, an
entry-level employee may need to demonstrate level 1 proficiency, while an executive may need to demonstrate level 4 or 5.
Proficiency scales help you compare requirements across jobs, which is especially useful when determining potential
career paths within the organization.
3 The notion for each level provides a high-level summary of the overall theme identified for that proficiency level.
4 A behavioral indicator provides a clear description of the observable behaviors that an employee will
demonstrate on the job.
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About HRSG
HRSG is a world-renowned competency specialist serving
a global clientele. For three decades, HRSG has delivered
competency content, products, and services to define talent
needs, address skill deficiencies and improve individual and
organizational performance.