Stanford Human Resources





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Competencies

Competencies are skills, knowledge, traits and characteristics that describe how work is done. 

Competencies describe "how" work is performed, while achievements and results describe "what" work is done. For Stanford’s purposes, we are defining the competencies in this profile in terms of how successful performance is demonstrated.

This success profile includes 15 competencies that have been identified and defined by a team of senior leaders at Stanford for the purpose of designing development experiences that support successful performance. Competencies can also be used in selection, performance management and succession planning processes. Your HR Manager can provide you with more information about competencies and how competency profiles can be used to further your goals in these areas.

The competencies in this profile are in alphabetical order. They are core to all departments and units across Stanford and reflect how a successful manager/leader performs. You will not find a competency that reflects the need for technical or functional expertise. These technical or functional competencies can be identified with the help of your manager and your HR Manager.

Assigns and accepts responsibility for work and decisions; initiates and sets clear objectives and measures for self and others; monitors process, progress, and results; recognizes and supports the importance of “ownership.”

Is open to and encourages change; builds consensus for change when appropriate; is comfortable with uncertainty and ambiguity; looks forward to new opportunities, viewing them as creative challenges.

Works effectively with others; joins in the collaborative efforts of the University; forges synergies and encourages cooperation when building and developing teams; uses networks effectively; exercises effective influencing skills when seeking and building consensus.

Works effectively with a wide range of people; sets a culture that leverages differences and supports diversity; is respectful of people and their different values; encourages and values diverse points of view and differing opinions.

Understands Stanford’s business principles and language, including the fundamentals of finance, planning and budgeting; uses this understanding to establish clear priorities for actions; is a wise steward of Stanford’s resources; assumes responsibility for the University’s financial health.

Presents information and ideas in a thoughtful and compelling manner; able to communicate effectively to diverse groups; is a receptive listener who consults and seeks input from others; is influential and persuasive when appropriate; seeks to understand the differing sides of each situation; understands the potential of emerging communications technology and uses it to achieve objectives.

Is committed to Stanford’s mission; supports Stanford’s multi-disciplinary approach and academic focus; knows how to get things accomplished given regulatory and financial parameters; is comfortable and effective working in a larger political context; advocates for his/her own area while supporting institution-wide initiatives.

Doesn’t hold back anything that needs to be said or done; always lets people know where they stand; faces up to people problems quickly and directly; challenges the status quo and encourages an environment where others do the same; is willing to take risks.

Works to become self-aware and is interested in developing self; seeks feedback and constructive criticism; learns from experiences and mistakes; demonstrates humility and self-regulates own emotions; exhibits patience and empathy when dealing with others’ emotions; displays a positive and constructive sense of humor.

Adheres to an appropriate set of values and beliefs during both good and difficult times; acts in line with those values; rewards the right values and disapproves of others; is a role model for Stanford’s values and principles; does the right thing.

Establishes a culture of integrity; is widely trusted; seen as a direct, truthful and credible individual; can present the unvarnished truth in an appropriate and helpful manner; keeps confidences; does not blame others for own mistakes or misrepresent self for personal gain.

Deals with concepts of complexity comfortably; is intellectually sharp, bright, capable and agile; has broad-ranging interests and pursuits and willingly shares them.
Attracts and selects strong people; provides motivating guidance, coaching and constructive feedback; conveys passion appropriately, inspiring commitment; engages and develops the people who can meet Stanford’s needs by providing them with meaningful opportunities; models the behavior being asked of others.

Seeks out all relevant information in an effort to make effective decisions; makes sound decisions based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience and judgment; recognizes trade-offs; is able to negotiate and find a balance between needs and views of many constituents; is decisive and takes action; is sought out by others for advice and solutions.

Appreciates the significance of having vision and strategy; begins the conversation that engages others in creative thought and planning processes; inspires people to embrace the vision and make it their own; can easily pose credible alternative scenarios for planning; is committed to making a difference.