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.

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.

Makes it a point to put new skills and knowledge to use on the job in a timely and effective manner. Applies new skills on the job before forgetting what was learned, and ensures that these skills are used to create a positive impact on a day-to-day basis. This is in direct contrast to those who delay efforts to apply new skills or knowledge or who allow themselves to get discouraged when new skills feel awkward or when they do not achieve immediate results. Such individuals typically fail to achieve the benefit of new skills and knowledge back on the job and frequently go back to their old ways of doing things.

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.

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.

Personally demonstrates that external (or internal) constituents are a high priority. Identifies constituent needs and expectations and responds to them in a timely and effective manner. Anticipates and prevents delays or other things that can adversely affect the constituent. Keeps constituents informed about the status of pending actions and inquires about constituent satisfaction with service. This is in sharp contrast to behavior patterns that tend to disappoint constituents, leave them feeling forgotten and unimportant or that otherwise result in unmet needs or expectations.

Understands the internal climate of the organization, including the most productive channels of communication, and makes use of the appropriate communication channels to achieve goals and objectives. Has learned about both formal and informal communication channels and understands when to stick to the formal hierarchy of reporting relationships. Understands unwritten protocols and the political aspects of how communication takes place. Avoids errors in judgment when selecting strategies for accomplishing tasks. This is distinctly different than those who fail to understand formal and informal channels of communication, misread organizational dynamics and are left scratching their heads about why their efforts to achieve support and results fall short of their expectations.