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.

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.

Produces clear and complete written reports that meet the needs of the customer. Written reports use words and tone that are appropriate for the intended audience and are produced and distributed in a timely manner. This differs from reports that use jargon or other words that may not be understood by the intended audience, reflect an inappropriate tone and/or are distributed too late to meet the needs and expectations of various stakeholders.

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.

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.

Is able to take on a variety of different tasks and roles in the organization. Can move in a relatively seamless manner from one task or focus to another and can fill in for other team members when they are absent or are experiencing work overload. This contrasts distinctly with individuals who have a limited number of skills or who convey a strong preference to work in narrowly defined arenas. In these circumstances, the individual's actual (or preferred) lack of range and flexibility typically reduces his/her value in a team environment.

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.

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.