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CSU Competencies
Every employee at Sac State has a position description that outlines the primary work functions of their role in the university. The position description provides the "what" to be accomplished by the employee.
The California State University has identified core competencies and associated desirable behaviors to provide the "how" employees accomplish their work. These competencies and associated desireable behaviors are aligned with the CSU's mission, vision, and values. When developed by employees, these behaviors will make the CSU a thriving work environment.
There are four core competencies for all employees -- Accountability, Communication, Inclusiveness, and Integrity. In addition, there are three competencies for those in a leadership position -- Mission-Oriented, Strategic Thinking and Alignment, and Team Building.
Associated behaviors are scaffolded as follows:
- Level one: The employee performs the example behaviors with guidance and support from others
- Level two: The employee performs the example behaviors independently, consistenly, and proactively
- Level three: The employee independently, consistently, and proactively performs example behaviors while also influencing colleagues' behaviors and positively shaping the CSU.
Accountability
Plans and prioritizes work to meet deadlines and outcomes; provides clear direction and delegates as needed; clearly communicates roles, expectations, and timelines; monitors work to ensure goals and deadlines are consistently met; executes work to quality standards.
Level One - Dependently
Recognizes value in setting goals; seeks assistance in planning and prioritizing work; corrects occasional errors in handling resources and/or information.
Level Two - Independently, Consistently, Proactively
Sets measurable, achievable goals; prioritizes work appropriately and proactively; demonstrates clear standards for quality results; asks questions as necessary to successfully accomplish tasks.
Level Three - Through Others / Strategically; Advocates, Promotes, Models
Sets team goals and priorities in alignment with strategic objectives; aligns team outputs to complement and optimize related organizational functions.
Grow this Skill into a Strength
Take the following benchmark to develop awareness of your current competency level and potential knowledge gaps. Completion of this skill benchmark allows CSU Learn to curate tailored, individualized training content for your career development. The courses recommended at the end of this benchmark can help you grow this skill into a strength.
Level One - Dependently
Shares information; collaborates with immediate team members; provides suggestions where appropriate based on technical expertise or project ownership.
Level Two - Independently, Consistently, Proactively
Sets or co-creates clear objectives and measures for programs and/or teams; models openness and transparency by sharing information and soliciting input; confidently delegates while offering support and appropriate levels of autonomy; monitors process, progress and results; shares accountability with team.
Level Three - Through Others / Strategically; Advocates, Promotes, Models
Sets or creates clear objectives and measures for programs and/or teams; models and recognizes those who demonstrate strong commitment and accountability to assignments.
Grow this Skill into a Strength
Take the following benchmark to develop awareness of your current competency level and potential knowledge gaps. Completion of this skill benchmark allows CSU Learn to curate tailored, individualized training content for your career development. The courses recommended at the end of this benchmark can help you grow this skill into a strength.
Benchmark: Goal Setting?
Level One - Dependently
Seeks feedback and input from others on performance.
Level Two - Independently, Consistently, Proactively
Proactively seeks input to define own responsibilities; engages with teammates to request assistance and define responsibilities.
Level Three - Through Others / Strategically; Advocates, Promotes, Models
Ensures that individual and team responsibilities and reporting structures are clearly defined, understood and accepted; initiates a dialog with team members to inform them, generate alternate ideas and actively involve them in determining responsibilities.
Level One - Dependently
Develops skills and techniques to track work goals and deadlines; recognizes need to be present and prepared; seeks support, as needed, with time and project management to ensure assignments are completed accurately and on time.
Level Two - Independently, Consistently, Proactively
Reliably tracks work goals and deadlines; demonstrates competent time and project management skills; reliably completes assignments and meets deadlines;
Level Three - Through Others / Strategically; Advocates, Promotes, Models
Sets team goals and monitors team progress; verifies that team has necessary resources; proactively addresses obstacles; informs stakeholders of progress and potential delays.
Level One - Dependently
Demonstrates commitment to developing quality work products; acknowledges mistakes and makes changes to prevent recurrence.
Level Two - Independently, Consistently, Proactively
Demonstrates a high level of dedication; holds self accountable for quality work by taking responsibility for mistakes and identifying opportunities for improvement; demonstrates integrity and sound judgement in meeting and exceeding organizational needs.
Level Three - Through Others / Strategically; Advocates, Promotes, Models
Inspires others to exhibit extraordinary effort beyond expectations; holds team members accountable for quality work; enhances stakeholder relationships by delivering high-quality work products.
Communication
Communicates effectively with all audiences, both verbally and in writing; actively listens to others and incorporates new knowledge or perspectives into thinking; uses knowledge sharing to ensure others have access to the information needed to work effectively; encourages open exchange of ideas and different points of view; communicates the truth with empathy, even when it is challenging or uncomfortable; solicits and values honest input.
Skill Benchmark: Communication Essentials
Skill Benchmark: Oral Communication
Skill Benchmark: Written Communication
Skill Benchmark: Active Listening
Level One - Dependently
Shares meaningful perspectives of events and projects when prompted.
Level Two - Independently, Consistently, Proactively
Conveys essential information comprehensibly; offers information directly and openly.
Level Three - Through Others / Strategically; Advocates, Promotes, Models
Succinctly conveys complex ideas; influences and inspires others using persuasive rhetoric; adapts language and detail to match audience needs; demonstrates appropriate nonverbal behaviors.
Level One - Dependently
Consistently records fact-based observations of meeting events and other interactions, seeking confirmation as needed.
Level Two - Independently, Consistently, Proactively
Consistently documents and communicates facts and ideas accurately and clearly in writing.
Level Three - Through Others / Strategically; Advocates, Promotes, Models
Conveys ideas and information in writing utilizing an eloquent and impactful style; written communication is clear, concise, accurate, and tailored to the audience.
Level One - Dependently
Recognizes that listening is essential to effective communication; listens with intent to understand; recognizes when to interject.
Level Two - Independently, Consistently, Proactively
Listens attentively and respectfully; asks thoughtful questions at appropriate times to verify understanding; can paraphrase the speaker's message, tone and intention.
Level Three - Through Others / Strategically; Advocates, Promotes, Models
Listens with empathy, taking time to understand implications of the message; able to paraphrase the implied meaning and subtext of the speaker's message.
Level One - Dependently
Is receptive to feedback from peers and supervisors.
Level Two - Independently, Consistently, Proactively
Values input and actively considers alternative perspectives from multiple sources; incorporates recommendations when offered an alternate perspective.
Level Three - Through Others / Strategically; Advocates, Promotes, Models
Encourages input and seeks alternate perspectives from multiple sources; incorporates new knowledge and beneficial ideas, even when it challenges the status quo.
Level One - Dependently
Readily offers information verbally and in writing to the immediate team when requested.
Level Two - Independently, Consistently, Proactively
Shares information openly and in a timely fashion; anticipates needs of immediate collaborators and peer group; seeks guidance, as necessary, when communicating with leadership.
Level Three - Through Others / Strategically; Advocates, Promotes, Models
Anticipates the needs of collaborators and peers across the organization; shares information proactively; effectively communicates with all levels of the organization; articulates and demonstrates a clear commitment to openness and transparency.
Encourages open exchange of ideas; values honest input
Level One - Dependently
Solicits input from trusted sources when deemed necessary; asks appropriate questions to gather specific information as needed; considers information as presented.
Level Two - Independently, Consistently, Proactively
Regularly solicits input from multiple sources; encourages feedback; facilitates effective brainstorming.
Level Three - Through Others / Strategically; Advocates, Promotes, Models
Solicits and embraces input from a diverse audience; asks thought-provoking questions to invite new and unconventional ideas; encourages challenges to ideas; builds on others' input to evolve novel approaches.
Communicates truth with empathy, even when it's challenging, uncomfortable
Level One - Dependently
Communicates with immediate colleagues in a cordial manner, expressing interest and compassion.
Level Two - Independently, Consistently, Proactively
Communicates sensitive topics to individuals and small groups confidently, honestly and with constructive intent; anticipates reactions by considering colleagues' circumstances and adjusts verbal and non-verbal communication strategy as necessary.
Level Three - Through Others / Strategically; Advocates, Promotes, Models
Utilizes multiple channels to communicate challenging information to large groups with diplomacy and tact; skillfully expresses concern to diverse stakeholders, anticipating divergent perspectives; provides multiple opportunities for stakeholders to offer feedback and be heard.
Inclusiveness
Promotes the engagement, development, and equitable treatment of all employees; demonstrates awareness of and respect for individual differences; supports, through action and example, fair treatment and opportunity for all; actively engages the rich background and diverse talents of employees to propel the organization forward; speaks out against words or actions that are insensitive or inconsistent with the organization’s mission and values. Associated Attribute: Compassionate.
Level One - Dependently
Level Two - Independently, Consistently, Proactively
Level Three - Through Others / Strategically; Advocates, Promotes, Models
Level One - Dependently
Level Two - Independently, Consistently, Proactively
Level Three - Through Others / Strategically; Advocates, Promotes, Models
Level One - Dependently
Respectfully observes workplace culture, interactions, and norms; welcomes alternate perspectives on social justice within the context of higher education; demonstrates curiosity and seeks opportunities to learn more about fair treatment.
Level Two - Independently, Consistently, Proactively
Proactively seizes opportunities and forms meaningful and diverse partnerships to support fair and equitable spaces.
Level Three - Through Others / Strategically; Advocates, Promotes, Models
Mitigates barriers; addresses bias incidents via appropriate avenues; advocates for equal opportunity, acceptance and respect; connects and builds diverse teams, committees, and workgroups
Level One - Dependently
Listens to others who experience unkind situations; expresses compassion; selectively voices alternate viewpoints and opinions of observations.
Level Two - Independently, Consistently, Proactively
Acts to defuse and reduce situations stemming from insensitive acts, unkind gestures and toxic environments; engages in interpersonal dialog with individuals involved in harsh exchanges.
Level Three - Through Others / Strategically; Advocates, Promotes, Models
Effectively intervenes in toxic work environments; addresses critical incidents of discrimination that impact the organization; models appropriate intervention to those who witness or experience insensitive interactions.
Speaks out against words/actions that are inconsistent with mission and values
Level One - Dependently
Demonstrates interest in the organization's mission, values, and expectations as it relates to diversity, equity and inclusion priorities.
Level Two - Independently, Consistently, Proactively
Articulates support of organizational expectations; exhibits behaviors, attitudes and actions that align with the organization's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
Level Three - Through Others / Strategically; Advocates, Promotes, Models
Fosters and promotes workplace culture free from the oppression of ideas, identities, and beliefs; takes ownership of the organization's role in perpetuating discrimination or intimidation.
Integrity
Acts professionally when interacting with others; treats all with dignity, respect, and fairness; honors commitments to others and models and maintains high ethical standards; is responsive to other employees; earns trust through consistent alignment of words and actions.
Level One - Dependently
Develops techniques to maintain composure; works to increase self-awareness.
Level Two - Independently, Consistently, Proactively
Maintains composure, even in challenging situations; sets the tone for others.
Level Three - Through Others / Strategically; Advocates, Promotes, Models
Consistently composed in unprecedented circumstances and emergencies; serves as a resource for others seeking advice, guidance, and direction.
Level One - Dependently
Articulates a foundational understanding of appropriate workplace behaviors and seeks to demonstrate these behaviors in a full range of circumstances.
Level Two - Independently, Consistently, Proactively
Consistently treats colleagues with dignity and respect; models fair and truthful behavior; demonstrates allyship with all individuals.
Level Three - Through Others / Strategically; Advocates, Promotes, Models
Proactively disrupts and redirects unfair and disrespectful behavior; communicates challenging observations constructively to a broad audience; respectful of all employees regardless of role.
Level One - Dependently
Meets commitments on a regular basis with assistance from manager as necessary; develops professional boundaries regarding workload; applies basic time management and prioritization techniques to follow through with commitments.
Level Two - Independently, Consistently, Proactively
Proficient in personal time management; consistently meets deadlines and follows through; routinely engages in communication with relevant stakeholders, providing regular updates on work obligations.
Level Three - Through Others / Strategically; Advocates, Promotes, Models
Models proactive communication with stakeholders; offers rationale for adjustment of deadlines when needed; shares approaches and tactics for meeting obligations with team; readily admits mistakes and offers recompense.
Level One - Dependently
Introspective regarding ethical standards and confident in personal values and positions.
Level Two - Independently, Consistently, Proactively
Consistently articulates and demonstrates ethical behavior, calibrating personal behavior with organizational values; accepts accountability for actions; fully accountable in keeping performance, ethical and legal matters confidential as appropriate.
Level Three - Through Others / Strategically; Advocates, Promotes, Models
Serves as a resource to influence the culture of the organization; fully accountable in keeping performance, ethical and legal matters confidential; proactive in notifying others if confidentiality can not be maintained for legal reasons.
Level One - Dependently
Keeps sensitive and private information confidential when requested and legally appropriate; reliably follows through on routine settings and tasks.
Level Two - Independently, Consistently, Proactively
Exhibits discretion in the handling of confidential and sensitive information; consistently accountable and dependable in fulfilling responsibilities.
Level Three - Through Others / Strategically; Advocates, Promotes, Models
Transparently and dependably fulfills commitments, proactively communicating when that might not be possible; exemplifies accountability in prioritizing and completing projects that accomplish organizational goals.
Mission-Oriented (Leadership)
Develops priorities for areas of responsibility; formulates and implements effective strategies that are aligned with the organization’s mission, values, and priorities; demonstrates a personal commitment to student success and the organization as a whole.
Level One - Dependently
Identifies mission critical goals and objectives with support; identifies outcomes that will result from programs and processes that support the organization's mission; accurately identifies factors that will help or hinder a goal.
Level Two - Independently, Consistently, Proactively
Develops clear priorities that are aligned with the organization's mission; can clearly explain how current priorities support achieving outcomes aligned with the organization's mission; dedicates the majority of time to mission-critical tasks; proactively and independently reaches out to others for consult and clarity when prioritizing goals.
Level Three - Through Others / Strategically; Advocates, Promotes, Models
Develops a team that can clearly explain how their individual contribution supports achieving the organization's mission; consistently anticipates and effectively avoids or mitigates barriers to achieving mission-critical goals; accurately assesses future priorities.
Formulates, implements effective strategies aligned with mission, values, priorities
Level One - Dependently
Demonstrates an understanding of the organization's mission, values and priorities; actively supports mission-aligned strategy.
Level Two - Independently, Consistently, Proactively
Effectively contributes to and implements mission-aligned strategy; consistently aligns priorities with mission and values.
Level Three - Through Others / Strategically; Advocates, Promotes, Models
Optimizes programs and processes to align with organization's mission, values and priorities; accurately evaluates the effect of selected strategies on the mission; accounts for factors that influence the adoption of change.
Level One - Dependently
Clearly articulates the organization's mission and how it impacts student and organizational success; accurately assesses own skills, knowledge and motivation to achieve the mission.
Level Two - Independently, Consistently, Proactively
Identifies team successes in fulfilling the mission; demonstrates an enthusiasm for highlighting achievements that support the mission; clearly understands the behavioral obligations the team must demonstrate.
Level Three - Through Others / Strategically; Advocates, Promotes, Models
Can leverage and reconcile individual team member's values, goals and beliefs to best support the mission; has formal processes in place to recognize achievements that further the organization's mission; instills a passion for the mission throughout the organization; identifies hesitant pockets of the campus community and crafts communication that addresses the concerns of these audiences.
Strategic Thinking and Alignment (Leadership)
Understands market, industry, and environmental trends; addresses issues to create or sustain a competitive advantage; uncovers new opportunities to create value and leverage the organization’s strengths; anticipates change and develops long-term plans.
Level One - Dependently
Recognizes strategic shifts in the department and organization; inquires about the causes and implications of workplace and higher education changes with curiosity.
Level Two - Independently, Consistently, Proactively
Follows organization and industry leaders to stay abreast of trends and research; can explain causes and implications of workplace and higher ed changes.
Level Three - Through Others / Strategically; Advocates, Promotes, Models
Able to express a breadth and depth of knowledge and historical perspective of higher eduation trends and changes; utilizes information on trends from industry leaders to advocate for change; anticipates the localized consequences of broad trends and addresses those in ways that are most beneficial to the organization.
Level One - Dependently
Implements improvements identified by others; seeks guidance from supervisor and more senior colleagues to identify obstacles and develop workarounds to achieve department or CSU goals.
Level Two - Independently, Consistently, Proactively
Identifies necessary changes and improvements with clarity; open to new ideas; encourages and supports continuous improvement.
Level Three - Through Others / Strategically; Advocates, Promotes, Models
Leverages understanding of the competitive landscape within higher education; proactively identifies weaknesses; addresses organizational issues with actionable strategies; avoids reputational damage.
Level One - Dependently
Applies growing knowledge of organizational tools and expanding interpersonal networks to address challenging tasks and assignments.
Level Two - Independently, Consistently, Proactively
Clearly articulates the organization's mission and the team's role in supporting it; considers alternative approaches and their implications; remains up-to-date with emerging practices and research in other higher education institutions.
Level Three - Through Others / Strategically; Advocates, Promotes, Models
Applies original strategic insights for advancing the organization's mission; creates, promotes, and implements novel ideas; readily envisions the impact of broad technical and societal changes on the organization as a whole.
Level One - Dependently
Recognizes when shifts in departmental priorities or strategy may impact own work; seeks guidance on implementing changes and adjusting goals.
Level Two - Independently, Consistently, Proactively
Develops practical medium and long-term goals; creates novel strategies that account for future contingencies.
Level Three - Through Others / Strategically; Advocates, Promotes, Models
Develops ambitious and inspirational medium and long-term goals; is future-oriented and can communicate a relatable vision of the future; has a broad perspective that encompasses the cause-effect relationship among multiple factors; embraces ambiguity and uncertainty in pursuit of novel approaches.
Team Building (Leadership)
Creates a work environment where people feel cared for and valued; fosters collaboration and team effectiveness; works cooperatively and effectively with others to achieve common goals; participates in building a group identity characterized by pride, trust and commitment.
Level One - Dependently
Listens and accepts input from others; displays an awareness of and desire to learn about organizational expectations of community and work-life balance; expresses an individual commitment to positive workplace environment; seeks out opportunities to learn team norms.
Level Two - Independently, Consistently, Proactively
Values the input of all team members; models work-life balance and articulates its importance; supports colleagues through setbacks despite differing perspectives; demonstrates concern for team members' personal wellbeing.
Level Three - Through Others / Strategically; Advocates, Promotes, Models
Actively solicits, listens to and acknowledges input from all team members; advocates for work-life balance in all team roles; demonstrates concern for team members' wellbeing and level of engagement.
Level One - Dependently
Engages with the team through collaboration on individual tasks and development; participates in team building activities; values team insights.
Level Two - Independently, Consistently, Proactively
Seeks group participation and consensus; encourages team members to share and learn from each other; values and actively promotes team building activities; models open dialog.
Level Three - Through Others / Strategically; Advocates, Promotes, Models
Identifies team goals and challenges; promotes sharing, collaboration, transparency and open dialog among team members; encourages collective effort through positive feedback and reward mechanisms; instills appreciation of active, ongoing team-building activities within the team; uses innovative approaches to continually strengthen and evolve teamwork.
Level One - Dependently
Recognizes team priorities and goals; contributes to important team decisions; aware of team members' individual tasks and priorities; acknowledges individual contributions; recognizes areas of conflict.
Level Two - Independently, Consistently, Proactively
Explicitly links own and colleagues' activities to team priorities and goals; expresses gratitude for others' contributions; invites opportunities for cross team collaboration; acts to resolve areas of conflicts.
Level Three - Through Others / Strategically; Advocates, Promotes, Models
Champions team collaboration and unity by defining success in terms of the whole team; encourages individual contributions by publicly acknowledging members' contributions to collective team goals; coaches individuals for cross team collaboration; creates space for resolution of team conflict by developing productive ways to resolve problems and make collaborative decisions.
Level One - Dependently
Recognizes own commitments and how they contribute to team goals. Remains open to others' points of view, even when they conflict with their own.
Level Two - Independently, Consistently, Proactively
Acknowledges and embraces others' strengths; invites and actively listens to other points of view to improve team strength; helps other members envision team success; demonstrates confidence and vulnerability within their team.
Level Three - Through Others / Strategically; Advocates, Promotes, Models
Fosters a team environment that promotes confidence and values individual contributions; motivates others through constructive, timely feedback; champions inclusivity and addresses micro-aggressions; gathers and implements ideas that reflect the team members perspectives.