APWA CORE COMPETENCIES

Where did they come from Leadership & Management Committee Survey Analysis Reporter Articles

APWA CORE COMPETENCIES Possesses Integrity Is Accountable Is Decisive Is Public Service Oriented Empowers Others Is Deliberate Is a Communicator Shows Respect for Others Is Technically Knowledgeable Manages Resources Is Resilient Delegates Maintains Balance

Possesses Integrity Committed True to yourself Conscience Different values = Disagreement Both sides can maintain integrity Leader asks organization to do as they do Spin & integrity are not compatible concepts Foundation of the other 12 competencies

Is Accountable Doing what we’re hired to do Make & keep promises Practice persistence & patience Don’t expect others to do what you won’t Behavior in sync with values Don’t focus on “what’s in it for me?”

Is Decisive Find a mentor for advice Start small Cost of evaluation vs. cost of risk Be willing to admit when you’re wrong

Is Public Service Oriented Why do we do this? –Variety –Challenges –Decision Making –Project/program development –Interaction –Ability to make a difference

Empowers Others Create environment of support & open communication Trust- Give permission to fail –encourages risk taking, creativity, initiative Be clear on limits of authority Principles of an empowered organization

Empowers Others Principles of an empowered organization –Leadership belongs to all employees –Tools, training & authority made available –Information is power & therefore shared –Culture of support –A continuous process

Is Deliberate Careful, thorough & aware of risks A Public Works Professional will: –Listen to the problem –Quickly absorb the data –Calmly make a decision Analyze Risk  Seek Input  Act quickly Decisions fit mission, vision, values

Is a Communicator Basic elements: Source, Message, Channel & Audience Source: Prepare with right facts, verbiage and material Message: Clarity, Simplicity, Details Channel: Brainstorm questions in advance Audience: Define the target audience

Shows Respect for Others Give respect to earn respect Make it a habit No one respects a bully Demonstrate respect through common courtesy: –Undivided attention –Be on time Remember you are being watched

Is Technically Knowledgeable The way things work = building, operating and maintaining Also need: finance, personnel, administration, politics and more APWA offers wide array of educational opportunities Need to maintain an attitude of constant learning

Manages Resources How do you begin? –Mission Statement –Vision Statement –Values of the organization –Goals –Strategies –Accountability (performance indicators)

Manages Resources Methods –Sharing of resources –Utilizing your employees –Reviewing your methods –Developing a strategic plan –Performance indicators

Is Resilient Basis for public service is loving what we do. Some coping mechanisms –Humor –Seeing the “big picture” –Remember the contribution you’re making –Encourage your peers

Delegates You can’t do it all yourself Connection to other core competencies –Communication –Accountability –Managing resources –Maintain balance Delegation is an indication of trust

Maintains Balance Maintain Perspective You can’t do everything at once If you are out of action, you cannot get the job done. Maintain effectiveness through personal renewal.

Where can you get more information? Leadership & Management Committee Baker’s Dozen Articles APWA Staff Take the test