1,550 Words, 7-min read
Let’s face it—when it comes to leadership, everyone has their own idea of what makes a great leader. Some say it’s about charisma, others argue it’s all about strategic thinking, and a few insist that it’s the ability to inspire. But if you really want to crack the code on leadership, you need to get down to the nitty-gritty: competencies.
What Are Leadership Competencies, Anyway?
Before we dive into the details, let’s clear up what we’re talking about here. In the simplest terms, leadership competencies are the knowledge and knowhow, the behaviors, and the attitudes that allow someone to effectively perform in a leadership role. Think of them as the building blocks of great leadership. These aren’t just abstract qualities like “being nice” or “working hard”—we’re talking about specific, actionable traits that can be developed and honed over time.
Imagine you’re building a house. Leadership competencies are the bricks, mortar, and beams that hold the whole structure together. Without them, you might have a nice design on paper, but it won’t stand up in a storm. Competencies are what give your leadership a solid foundation.
The Three Pillars of Leadership Competencies
When we talk about leadership competencies, it’s important to understand that they’re made up of three key components: knowledge and knowhow, attitudes, and behaviors. Think of these as the ingredients in a recipe—each one plays a crucial role in creating the final dish. However, unlike technical or professional competencies, leadership competencies are unique in that they are predominantly behavioral in nature.
- Knowledge and Knowhow (Cognitive Component): This is the “I know” part of a competency. It involves the intellectual skills and knowledge that leaders need to understand their roles, make informed decisions, and solve complex problems. In the realm of leadership, while this component is important, it plays a less central role compared to technical competencies. Think of it as the foundation of a house—it supports everything else, but it’s not what makes the house truly stand out. Example: Take strategic thinking, for instance. A leader with strong strategic thinking skills knows how to analyze market trends, understand the competitive landscape, and plan for the future. It’s like having a well-calibrated GPS that helps you navigate through the complexities of the business world. However, in leadership, knowing the direction isn’t enough—it’s about how you guide others along that path.
- Attitudes (Attitudinal Component): This is the “I am” part of a competency. It refers to the mindset, values, and attitudes that influence how a leader approaches their work, interacts with others, and responds to challenges. In leadership, attitudes are critical because they shape a leader’s behavior and, ultimately, the behavior of their team. One could even argue that attitude is simply a behavior directed inward, influencing how a leader conducts themselves under pressure. The attitudinal component is like the internal thermostat of leadership—it determines how a leader behaves and reacts in various situations. Example: Emotional intelligence is a key attitudinal component. Leaders with high emotional intelligence approach situations with empathy, self-awareness, and a calm demeanor. It’s like having a finely tuned instrument that helps you play the right notes in any given situation, creating harmony instead of discord. In leadership, this internal compass is often what distinguishes a good leader from a great one.
- Behaviors (Behavioral Component): Finally, we have the “I do” part of a competency. This involves the actions and behaviors that leaders exhibit in their day-to-day roles. In leadership, the behavioral component is paramount—it’s what others see, experience, and respond to. Leadership is fundamentally about influence, and that influence is exerted through behavior. The behavioral component is the user interface of leadership—it’s how leaders interact with their teams, make decisions, and drive results. Example: Consider the competency of Employee Engagement and Empowerment. A leader who excels in this area doesn’t just understand the theory behind motivating and empowering employees—they actively create an environment where team members feel valued, trusted, and empowered to take initiative. This leader delegates responsibility, encourages autonomy, and supports their team in taking ownership of their work. It’s like being the conductor of an orchestra—each musician has the freedom to express their talent, but it’s the leader who brings it all together in harmony, ensuring that everyone contributes to the overall success of the performance.
The Behavioral Nature of Leadership Competencies
What sets leadership competencies apart from other types of competencies—like technical or professional competencies—is the emphasis on behaviors and attitudes over pure knowledge. While knowing the theories and strategies is important, what truly makes a leader effective is how they apply that knowledge through their actions and how they manage themselves and others. Leadership is largely behavioral, which means that improving leadership competencies requires a focus on changing and refining behaviors, not just learning new concepts.
This characteristic has profound implications for how one approaches leadership development. It’s not enough to simply educate leaders on what they should know; the real challenge is helping them internalize and consistently demonstrate the behaviors that drive effective leadership. In essence, developing leadership is less about filling a knowledge gap and more about shaping how leaders think, feel, and act in a variety of situations.
Why Competencies Matter
So why should we care about leadership competencies? Because they’re the key to unlocking effective leadership. Without a clear understanding of these competencies, it’s like trying to assemble furniture without the instruction manual—frustrating and likely to result in a wobbly end product.
Competencies provide a roadmap for development. They help leaders identify their strengths and areas for improvement, guide training and development efforts, and offer a framework for assessing performance. In short, competencies are what turn potential into actual leadership.
Think of competencies as the secret recipe for a great dish. You can have all the right ingredients, but without the right proportions and techniques, you won’t achieve the desired flavor. Similarly, a leader might have raw talent, but it’s the refinement of competencies that brings out their full potential.
Common Leadership Competencies You Should Know
While there are countless leadership competencies out there, some are universally recognized as essential. Here are a few you should definitely have on your radar:
- Strategic Thinking: As mentioned earlier, this is the ability to see the big picture and plan for the future. Leaders with strong strategic thinking skills can navigate complex environments and guide their organizations toward long-term success.
- Communication: This competency is all about the ability to convey ideas clearly and effectively. Whether it’s speaking, writing, or listening, great leaders know how to communicate in a way that resonates with their audience.
- Emotional Intelligence: Also mentioned earlier, this is the ability to understand and manage emotions—both your own and those of others. Leaders with high emotional intelligence can build strong relationships, manage conflict, and create a positive work environment.
- Decision-Making: The ability to make sound decisions, often under pressure, is critical for leaders. This competency involves analyzing information, weighing risks, and choosing the best course of action.
- Adaptability: In today’s fast-paced world, the ability to adapt to change is crucial. Leaders who are adaptable can pivot when necessary, keep their teams focused, and stay resilient in the face of challenges.
- Team Building: Great leaders know how to build and nurture strong teams. This competency involves understanding team dynamics, fostering collaboration, and empowering others to achieve their best.
Developing Leadership Competencies
Now that we’ve covered what leadership competencies are and why they matter, let’s talk about how to develop them. Here’s the good news: competencies can be learned and improved over time. But like any skill, it takes practice, feedback, and a willingness to grow.
- Self-Assessment: The first step in developing competencies is understanding where you currently stand. This might involve self-reflection, feedback from others, or formal assessments like 360-degree reviews. It’s like looking in the mirror before starting a workout routine—you need to know your starting point to measure progress.
- Targeted Development: Once you’ve identified your strengths and areas for improvement, it’s time to focus on learning. This could involve formal training programs, reading, mentorship, or hands-on experience. Think of it as adding weights to your workout routine—you’re building muscle in specific areas.
- Practice: Competencies aren’t developed overnight. It takes consistent effort and practice to build new skills and behaviors. This might involve taking on new challenges, seeking out opportunities to apply what you’ve learned, and reflecting on your experiences. It’s like training for a marathon—you build endurance one step at a time.
- Feedback and Adjustment: Finally, don’t forget the importance of feedback. Regular check-ins with a coach, mentor, or peers can help you stay on track and make necessary adjustments. It’s like having a personal trainer who helps you fine-tune your technique and keeps you motivated.
Conclusion
Understanding leadership competencies is like having the blueprint for a successful building project. These competencies provide the structure, guidance, and direction needed to build effective leadership. By focusing on the key areas of cognitive, attitudinal, and behavioral competencies, you can develop the skills needed to lead with confidence and impact.
So, whether you’re a seasoned leader looking to refine your skills or an emerging leader ready to take on new challenges, understanding and developing your competencies is a critical step on your leadership journey.
Postscript: Stay tuned for more insights on leadership development in upcoming blog posts. And if you’re eager to explore the art and science of leadership competencies further, don’t miss out on my book Leadership Velocity, available on Amazon.
Got questions or want to share your own leadership experiences? Feel free to drop me an email—I’m always up for a good conversation about what makes leadership tick!