BUSINESS AND TRAINING
What does competency mean ? – Part 2
15
By
Rory Macnamara
Following on from last month ’ s article on competence we now look at the application in our minds as to practising competence .
Generally , competence is working and developing within the area one has been trained for both professionally and in the trades .
Let us dwell on the development aspect and perhaps those who insist on the arrogance of saying , “ I have been doing this job for X number of years and no one can teach me anything .”
Thankfully this is not a statement one hears too often but being heard by younger people and others , perhaps while in the development stage of their lives , can have a negative effect on them and their future thinking .
Everything around us is developing at an increasing speed and that includes technology which shows that those qualified for a certain ‘ job ’ can apply their minds to expanding the learnings in their early years to broadening the mind as well as the application .
Take the development in the pipe and fittings industry , compliant of course , that enables a designer and a plumber ( two highly competent individuals ) to use material that moves water and waste more efficiently and effectively . Same applies to taps and mixers where both material and application allow for water saving and better control of the amount of water used .
While researching competence , not on A . I ., I came across 12 points that make up the application of competency , reinforcing the four elements mentioned last issue but digging deeper into each point . For a full look at the details , I have summarised the examples , one can find these on : www . 12-core-competencies . com
1 . Decision making – requires sound judgement and appreciates the limits of his / her competency . 2 . Teamwork – encourages and respects input from workers . 3 . Work Standard – sets high standards and complies with the requirements of the task as provided by someone with other competencies . 4 . Motivation – lots of energy and enthusiasm for the task at hand . 5 . Reliability – takes responsibility for himself / herself and team . 6 . Problem Solving – analyses problems to come to a sensible solution . 7 . Adaptability – able to deal with changes at short notice ( short , medium , long term ) 8 . Planning and Organisation – ability to establish clear objectives . 9 . Communication – shares complete and accurate information . 10 . Integrity – shares complete and adequate information . 11 . Initiative – take action to influence events . 12 . Stress Tolerance – emotional intelligence and seek support from others .
Many of these one has come across in bits and pieces but what they do together is show competence is massive and the four elements / parts , education , training , experience and contextual knowledge requirement incorporates many personal attributes from start to finish . PA
“ Everything around us is developing at an increasing speed …”
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Water is life – our responsibility .
July 2023 Volume 29 I Number 5 www . plumbingafrica . co . za