Demonstrates the essential skills related to the use of all equipment connected to job responsibilities. Displays an appropriate level of concern for various safety factors when using equipment. This contrasts with individuals who are clearly unfamiliar with how to make the best use of job-essential equipment or who take shortcuts and/or make decisions that increase the risk of injury or damage to equipment.

Tends to identify and apply the steps and approaches needed to implement and integrate new technology in a manner that gains quick acceptance from stakeholders while minimizing disruptions to day-to-day work requirements. This is in distinct contrast to those who fail to anticipate and foster the level of planning, coordination and communication that is needed to ensure that transitions to new technology are relatively seamless and widely accepted by stakeholders.

When needed, serves as an advisor regarding technical aspects of a project. Makes recommendations related to procedures and resources that may be needed. Has gained the respect and confidence of the people he/she advises. This is distinctly different from those whose advice fails to result in improving efficiency or avoiding pitfalls on projects and/or whose track record or ability to persuade others creates a lack of credibility and a lack of confidence in following any advice offered.

Establishes an environment that creates incentives for, and eliminates barriers to, a team environment. For example, articulates common goals, communicates how individual roles contribute to team success, provides both clear direction and sufficient resources while removing or reducing obstacles to team success. This contrasts with those who reward competitive behavior within the team, fail to connect individual roles to team goals, talk/write about the importance of teamwork without providing adequate resources or fail to play a key role in neutralizing any other obstacles to team success.

Ensures that staff members get a sufficient amount of orientation, training and developmental opportunities to maximize their chances of being successful in their assignments. Views training and development as an investment in employees and uses mentoring, cross- functional assignments, job rotation or other on-the-job learning opportunities to enhance the depth and breadth of skills and experience. Also encourages self-development activities. This is in contrast to those who provide little or no orientation to the organization, view training as an expense and something to be rationed on a selective basis, and tend to focus almost entirely on today's needs and demands instead of ensuring that employees are being prepared for tomorrow's challenges.

Applies creativity and originality in the work setting, when appropriate. Suggests or applies new ways of addressing ongoing work issues and challenges. Sees possibilities that others have not yet seen, or combines ideas and approaches suggested by others in a unique manner that results in breakthroughs and improvements. Understands when to be creative and when to stick with what exists now. This behavior contrasts with those who tend to focus exclusively on how things have been or how they are now and who tend to stick with traditional ways of doing things.

Breaks down problems and issues into sub-components and then assesses the costs, benefits and risks of various options prior to selecting a particular approach. This contrasts with the behavior of individuals who tend to attack problems without a thorough examination of all important components and ramifications; who fail to weigh the costs, benefits and risks associated with various alternatives; and/or who are unable to explain or justify their decisions in a logical and systematic fashion.

Takes an active role in identifying new business opportunities, assessing the risks involved and comparing these to the potential advantages of taking action. Influences decisions by examining financial costs and potential benefits and by providing realistic risk- assessments. This is in contrast to those who fail to look for new business opportunities or do an inadequate assessment of risks and benefits and/or either tend to avoid opportunities or embrace ventures that fail to produce the expected payback on the resources invested.