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Leader Competency Model

The Leader Competency Model helps define what effective leadership looks like at the University of ΡΗΦήΣ°ΤΊ System. This model outlines β€œhow” one successfully does their job, and the competencies are used in a variety of programs.

Chart showing the five categories of the leader competency model: performance oriented, people centered, values driven, culturally competent, strategic and integrative


Performance Oriented

  • Establishes clear goals, aligns priorities and demands accountability;
  • Sets high yet reasonable standards;
  • Promotes learning orientation (flexibility, innovation, learning from mistakes and failures);
  • Recognizes and communicates progress toward goals;
  • Delegates appropriately to manage own workload and provide opportunities for others;
  • Implements strong performance management processes (clear expectations, goal setting, monitoring, frequent feedback, coaching, appraisals, etc.); and
  • Effectively manages poor performance.

People Centered

  • Has a high degree of self‐awareness;
  • Recognizes how his/her emotions impact other people and situations;
  • Seeks feedback and looks for opportunities to build new leadership skills and behaviors;
  • Demonstrates the right amount of confidence in different situations;
  • Shows a genuine interest in helping others to be successful, achieve their goals and find meaning in their work;
  • Encourages others to participate in the decision-making process;
  • Shares credit;
  • Demonstrates a positive outlook and promotes a positive environment; and
  • Recognizes value of work/life integration.

Culturally Competent

  • Displays sensitivity in leading people from different backgrounds;
  • Is able to analyze a situation from multiple points of view and integrate diverse perspectives and values;
  • Adapts communication style or approach based on the needs of others;
  • Models and builds a culture of respect for all people;
  • Actively seeks ways to build teams diverse in background, perspective and style;
  • Is comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty; and
  • Manages conflict productively.

Values Driven (character; growth orientation)

  • Demonstrates honesty, integrity and a consistency between words and actions;
  • Holds others accountable for ethical behavior;
  • Inspires trust by being trustworthy and appropriately trusting others;
  • Demonstrates wisdom by seeking the common good for the university and for the larger society;
  • Considers the well‐being of others before making decisions; and
  • Assumes personal and professional responsibility for actions.

Strategic and Integrative Leader

  • Develops and communicates a shared, clear and comprehensive vision, strategy and purpose;
  • Proactively builds lasting, collaborative and productive relationships;
  • Is actively engaged in broad professional/leadership communities and conversations both on and off campus;
  • Is innovative and proactively manages change;
  • Demonstrates the ability to figure things out, make decisions and take action with the speed and urgency appropriate for the situation;
  • Invests resources strategically;
  • Portrays unit and division/college/school in a positive light;
  • Is mindful of leadership responsibility and impact; and
  • Is able to adapt leadership behaviors to different situations.

Reviewed 2022-11-03