Possesses the technical skills and knowledge required to perform essential tasks in an efficient and effective manner. Demonstrates the willingness and ability to train or coach others in the technical arena. This is quite different than those individuals who lack technical skills or knowledge and/or have failed to demonstrate a willingness and ability to train others to perform well in technical assignments.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.