Manages each stage of a project to ensure that commitments are met in a manner that is timely and within budget. Clearly defines roles and responsibilities, determines necessary resources, and monitors project performance through appropriate systems and procedures. This is distinctly different from individuals who fail to assess and define roles needed to complete a project, do not secure adequate resources, do not monitor ongoing progress or spend too much time on one project and not enough on each of multiple projects.

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.

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.

Achieves results within established timelines. Understands and demonstrates that intentions, activities and results are not the same. Expects that obstacles will occur and refuses to use them as an excuse for not achieving results. This compares favorably to those who seek to justify poor results by describing intentions or activities, who get derailed by obstacles and fail to take effective steps to avoid or overcome them, and/or who frequently miss deadlines without giving a prior warning.

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.

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.

Can analyze organizational strengths and weaknesses and then combine these with knowledge of the industry, market and organization to develop long-term strategy. This is distinctly different from being unaware of organizational strengths and weaknesses and/or are being unable to combine a knowledge of the industry, market and organization in a fashion that results in a viable long-term strategy.

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.