What is it?
Behavioural competencies refer to the set of personal characteristics, skills, and behaviours that an individual demonstrates in the workplace, which influence how effectively they perform their job. These competencies are typically categorised into soft skills like communication, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. Unlike technical or hard skills, behavioural competencies focus on how an employee interacts with others, manages situations, and responds to challenges.
Why is it important?
- Holistic Performance Evaluation: Behavioural competencies provide a more comprehensive evaluation of an employee’s overall performance by assessing not only what they achieve but how they achieve it. This is essential for roles that require collaboration, leadership, or customer interaction.
- Cultural Fit: These competencies help determine whether an employee aligns with the organisation's values and culture. Hiring or promoting individuals with the right behavioural competencies ensures better teamwork and harmony within the organisation.
- Leadership Development: Behavioural competencies are critical for leadership roles as they assess a person’s ability to manage, influence, and motivate others, which is key for effective leadership.
- Employee Development: Focusing on behavioural competencies helps guide training and development programs to strengthen interpersonal and managerial skills, improving overall team performance.
- Talent Management: Many organisations use behavioural competencies as part of talent management strategies to identify high-potential employees, develop succession plans, and create more balanced teams.
