Creates and adheres to realistic budgets in a manner that helps achieve the organization's objectives. Tracks expenses against the budget frequently enough to make adjustments at the optimum time. Communicates budget concerns and adjustments to all appropriate stakeholders so that they can adapt their plans and expectations. This contrasts with the behavior of individuals who either fail to create budgets or fail to stick to them; who let too much time go by before comparing actual expenses to budget projections; and/or who neglect to notify important stakeholders about budget concerns or adjustments. Such individuals frequently allow expenses to spin out of control.

Develops the steps necessary to accomplish long-term goals. Identifies long and short-term goals and establishes realistic plans to reach them. Allocates required resources, allows for contingencies and ensures that plans fit with the larger needs of the organization. Sets milestones to measure progress along the way. This is distinctly different from individuals who ignore long-term or short-term goals, fail to link their goals to broader initiatives, have not set realistic plans that allow for contingencies, and/or ignore the importance of milestones that could enhance motivation in the pursuit of long-term plans.

Prioritizes tasks and manages time to ensure that deadlines are met. Plans his or her time and sticks to those plans. Prevents or manages interruptions until the highest priority tasks are accomplished. This is in contrast to those individuals who fail to prioritize tasks or are not tenacious or disciplined enough to stay focused on the highest priority aspects of the job. This tendency to lack focus or discipline results in unmet deadlines and frustrated stakeholders.

Investigates all viable options, along with the potential consequences of each, and then makes timely and good decisions. Can direct a group through this process and does not hesitate to make difficult decisions. Can speed up the decision-making process when time is of the essence, yet can also slow it down when there is time to do so. This differs from those who make quick decisions even when there is little time pressure or too few options have been explored, who struggle to make decisions when they are difficult or controversial, who fail to take charge when a group is struggling to move forward; and/or who miss "windows of opportunity" by delaying decisions when timing is truly a critical factor.

Tends to listens more than talk. Leaves others with the impression that their thoughts, opinions, feelings and needs are important. Helps others understand their feelings and their needs. This compares favorably with the behavior of individuals who talk more than they listen, leave others wondering whether perspective is important, and/or are not viewed as a potential "sounding board" that allows others to sort through and clarify their own feelings and needs.

Makes it a practice to share new skills or knowledge with others in the organization. Keeps his/her manager informed of newly- acquired skills and knowledge and offers to share information, demonstrate skills or summarize learning for others on the team. This clearly differs from those who tend to hoard knowledge or skills and fail to see to it that new capabilities are shared with others to expand the benefits for the organization.

Builds rapport and develops alliances with a broad range of people. Adjusts communication style to meet the needs of individuals at various organizational levels and to meet the needs of clients. Forms alliances by demonstrating concern and respect for others, as well as by highlighting common interests and aspirations. Leave others feeling that he/she will be a trusted ally and is careful to act in ways that reinforce that trust over time. This is in contrast with the behavior of individuals who tend to interact with a relatively narrow range of people or who fail to adjust their communication styles to accommodate others. It is also quite different than behavior that leaves the impression that the person is seeking to advance his/her own narrow agendas and interests.