Defining Behavioral Competencies

Behavioral competencies are behaviors exhibited by employees that help them to achieve the goals of their role to a high standard. Behavioral competencies include decision-making and problem-solving skills, communication skills, and leadership skills.

What are behavioral competencies?

Behavioral competencies are among the most important indicators of a candidate’s likely performance in their role. They encompass both hard and soft skills and go beyond the sort of skills that are typically listed on resumes to also include personal, psychological, and interpersonal skills.

Commonly measured behavioral competencies include analytical skills, critical thinking, conflict resolution, self-motivation and the ability to motivate others, strategic thinking, and the ability to inspire a team.

How do behavioral competencies affect businesses?

The ability to recognize and measure behavioral competencies allows businesses to make rational and effective hires and to promote the right people at the right time.

Behavioral competencies are an important measure of the potential of any employee, but they are particularly important where senior executives are concerned. Experience and expertise are essential, but behavioral competencies indicate how well a candidate will perform as a manager, a leader, and an individual tasked with making decisions that affect the success of the business.

How to improve hiring success with behavioral competencies

To use behavioral competencies to predict performance, businesses need a competence framework. An evidence-based framework helps businesses to standardize their measurement of competencies, to accurately compare competencies, and to mitigate biases that might skew assessments. Reputable executive recruitment providers deploy rigorously tested competency frameworks to ensure the best possible outcomes for their clients.

Contact us to learn more about how behavioral competencies can help your organization to hire effective senior executives.