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ARCHIVED - Project Management Core Competencies
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3. General Management
Objective: To ensure proper management practices.
Introduction
General management skills are those a manager requires to manage any enterprise. They are the foundation for building project management skills. The Profile of Public Service Leaders and Managers (reference 1) defines the following knowledge areas and objectives.
| KNOWLEDGE AREA | OBJECTIVE |
|---|---|
| Judgment, Integrity, Self-confidence, Flexibility, Initiative, Perseverance | To act with consideration of issues, ethically, confidently, in a style appropriate to the environment, beyond the basic necessities and consistently with the plan of action. |
| Thinking Skills | To arrive at accurate conclusions and solutions by visualizing new potentials, and by identifying, defining and analyzing problems and situations using rational and intuitive processes. |
| Organizational Awareness | To get results by understanding, building and using formal and informal systems and contacts in a complex organizational environment. |
| Knowledge | To perform the appropriate activities by using knowledge of the Public Service environment, government systems and operational policies, and the programs and policies of one's own department. |
| Leadership | To attract and mobilize energies and talents; to work towards a shared purpose in the best interests of the organization, the people comprising it and the people it serves. |
| Interpersonal Relations | To advance the work of the organization by interacting with others in ways that develop respect, mutual understanding and productive working relationships. |
| Communication | To shape others' understanding in ways that capture interest, inform and gain support. |
| Action Management | To achieve expected results through the successful and timely completion of activities and delivery of products and services. |
3.1 Judgment, Integrity, Self-confidence, Flexibility, Initiative, Perseverance
Objective: To act with consideration of issues, ethically, confidently, in a style appropriate to the environment, beyond the basic necessities and consistently with the plan of action.
|
PM
Levels Core Competencies |
Project Sponsor |
Project Leader |
PM Master |
PM Profes- sional |
PM Intern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Judgment: Use appropriate strategies to achieve objectives, considering the situation, issues and persons involved. Reach sound decisions and take wise course of action. | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Integrity: Take actions that reflect promises. Reliably deliver on promises and honour commitments. Uphold ethical and social norms of the organization consistently in actions and decisions. Treat people fairly by maintaining consistent values and performance standards. | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Self-confidence: Be willing to state and defend ideas and convictions while recognizing other options. Have the confidence required to stand alone when this is the best course. Realistically trust one's own talent. | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Flexibility: Demonstrate sensitivity to the organizational environment. Tolerate ambiguity, shift priorities, change style and respond with new approaches as needed to deal with the demands of changed conditions. | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Initiative: Actively and enthusiastically attempt to influence events. Seek opportunities to originate action. Take action beyond explicit requests and approach work in an optimistic manner. Be a self-starter. | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Perseverance: Stay with a plan of action or position until the desired objective is attained or no longer appropriate. Patiently maintain a steady course and weather setbacks en route. Look for ways to surmount obstacles. | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 |
3.2 Thinking Skills
Objective: To arrive at accurate conclusions and solutions by visualizing new potentials, and by identifying, defining and analyzing problems and situations using rational and intuitive processes.
|
PM Levels Core Competencies |
Project Sponsor |
Project Leader |
PM Master |
PM Profes- sional |
PM Intern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simplify the information derived from complex events and diverse sources to explain situations and provide strategic direction to team members. | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2 |
| Provide strategic direction by grasping trends and requirements and setting guiding models. | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2 |
| Track multiple problems and developments; integrate and disseminate the information quickly and simply. | 2 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Anticipate and formulate problems by noticing symptoms and interrelationships among risk areas, and devise solutions. | 2 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Solve operational problems and assist staff with problem issues. | 1 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Manage one's own time, stress and other factors. | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
3.3 Organizational Awareness
Objective: To get results by understanding, building and using formal and informal systems and contacts in a complex organizational environment.
|
PM
Levels Core Competencies |
Project Sponsor |
Project Leader |
PM Master |
PM Profes- sional |
PM Intern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Know and use the politics of the organization. Be thoroughly aware of the workings of the federal government. Understand and be sensitive to the needs and responsibilities of other individuals and organizations. | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 1 |
| Build and maintain a network of alliances inside and outside the organization, and use the network to achieve goals. | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 1 |
| Know the organization's individuals and understand its culture. Use that knowledge to gain support and implement objectives. | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Know the services available in the organization and use them to get the work done. Assist staff in dealing with other parts of the organization. | 2 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
3.4 Knowledge
Objective: To perform the appropriate activities by using knowledge of the Public Service environment, government systems and operational policies, and the programs and policies of one's own department.
|
PM Levels Core Competencies |
Project Sponsor |
Project Leader |
PM Master |
PM Profes- sional |
PM Intern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Know government priorities and, current issues that affect the organization. | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 1 |
| Understand the role of government in society, public perception and demands, economic factors, and social, cultural and political issues. | 5 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Understand federal and provincial systems of government, laws, policies and procedures. | 5 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Understand government and Public Service structures and responsibilities, and policies governing financial management and administration. Realize how the goals of one's own organization fit into those of other government organizations. Know how to integrate a project into relevant government financial systems. | 2 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Know and be sensitive to government policies on individual rights, official languages, employment equity, access to information, safety, privacy and health. | 3 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 1 |
3.5 Leadership
Objective: To attract and mobilize energies and talents; to work towards a shared purpose in the best interests of the organization, the people comprising it and the people it serves.
|
PM Levels Core Competencies |
Project Sponsor |
Project Leader |
PM Master |
PM Profes- sional |
PM Intern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assemble a technical team of appropriate size and composition. | 0 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Create vision and values by setting an organizational climate in which goals can be achieved. Encourage innovation and ensure that employees are trained to meet the needs of the organization. | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Foster an environment of creativity, openness, collaboration and morale among team members and stakeholders. | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Exercise influence on the organization when needed, even without direct authority. | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Develop employees by involving them in decisions, and through motivation and promotions. | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Help to advance the careers of project team members by doing timely and accurate performance appraisals, and by providing training, opportunities for advancement and work that stimulates learning. | 2 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Negotiate goals and expectations with each team member to achieve mutually acceptable solutions. | 2 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Provide challenge by setting realistic goals, delegating and encouraging employees to take responsibility. | 2 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Motivate employees and increase productivity by promoting teamwork and commitment, recognizing contributions and advancing employees. | 3 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Serve as a mentor to team members and new project managers. | 2 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
3.6 Interpersonal Relations
Objective: To advance the work of the organization by interacting with others in ways that develop respect, mutual understanding and productive working relationships.
|
PM Levels Core Competencies |
Project Sponsor |
Project Leader |
PM Master |
PM Profes- sional |
PM Intern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display versatility in dealing with others by showing sincere interest; adapt interpersonal style to the situation. | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Practice diplomacy by creating a favourable first impression, tolerating different backgrounds, developing long-term relationships and avoiding hostility when views conflict. | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Manage sensitive interpersonal situations with delicate negotiation and appropriate, caring decisions. | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Handle group situations by encouraging participation and promoting co-operation. | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Be sensitive to the feelings of others by perceiving their needs, being aware of the effect of one's own behaviour, and taking into account different values, personalities and cultures. | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
3.7 Communications
Objective: To shape others' understanding in ways that capture interest, inform and gain support.
|
PM Levels Core Competencies |
Project Sponsor |
Project Leader |
PM Master |
PM Profes- sional |
PM Intern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Instill commitment by promoting open dialogue. Promote enthusiasm by using one's personal example. | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Present complex issues clearly, credibly and effectively by using a communication style appropriate to the situation. Handle media and public inquiries appropriately. Answer questions with awareness and sensitivity. | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Brief listeners well by collecting appropriate information, organizing it and presenting the level of detail needed to convince the receiver. | 2 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Instruct staff after gaining a clear understanding of the issue. Use appropriate media and answer questions clearly. | 2 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Select and use the appropriate communication tools, such as the telephone, e-mail, fax, paper reports and meetings. | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Run a good meeting. | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
3.8 Action Management
Objective: To achieve expected results through the successful and timely completion of activities and delivery of products and services.
|
PM Levels Core Competencies |
Project Sponsor |
Project Leader |
PM Master |
PM Profes- sional |
PM Intern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sustain action by directing the organization according to government priorities and by establishing accountability systems, which review activities against strategies. | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Ensure that all employees are used effectively and redeployed at the end of a phase or project. Keep activities on track by clarifying objectives and providing feedback. | 1 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Direct and delegate as appropriate. Act decisively and assemble required resources. | 2 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Using project plans, create a staff management plan to identify, document and assign project roles, responsibilities and reporting relationships. | 1 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Co-ordinate projects by assigning work to appropriate people, monitoring their activities and ensuring timely completion. | 0 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 3 |
