Competency definitions
Competencies
Quality of Work/Productivity
Reliability/Accountability
Integrity/Ethics
Communication
Customer Focus
Problem Solving/Decision Making
Creativity/Innovation
Teamwork/Collaboration
Legal & Regulatory Compliance
Leadership (for Managers)
Definition/behavioral indicators
Quality of Work/Productivity
- Takes initiative and produces results and/or services consistent with defined University standards for the position.
- Demonstrates attention to detail; produces work that is accurate, complete and of high
quality. - Prioritizes tasks and implements efficient work procedures to maximize productivity; demonstrates project planning and time management capabilities to complete assignments ahead of schedule.
- Successfully overcomes obstacles and barriers to timely completion of tasks, projects and/ or goals.
- Cooperates with and motivates others to achieve goals and meet deadlines.
- Maintains a safe workplace for self and others.
Reliability/Accountability
- Demonstrates reliability, dependability and accountability in all aspects of the
defined role. - Is reliable and trustworthy.
- Regularly completes all duties and goals with minimal supervision or assistance.
- Is punctual and meets work attendance and deadline requirements.
- Adapts well to changes in work assignments or goals.
- Accepts accountability for outcomes.
Integrity/Ethics
- Operates in accordance with USC policies and applicable laws, and exhibits conduct consistent with USC’s Code of Ethics.
- Exhibits ethical behavior and ensures those behaviors are demonstrated by those he/she supervises.
- Is fair, straightforward and honest and treats others with respect.
- Maintains confidentiality and appropriate data stewardship.
- Reports ethical and/or policy violations as appropriate.
- Supports diversity and creates an inclusive environment of mutual respect and collegiality.
- Holds self, co-workers, and those he/she supervises to the highest standards.
- Rewards and disciplines employees who exhibit and/or fail to exhibit ethical conduct and commitment to USC values.
- Discloses and/or alerts to possible signs of conflicts of interest.
Communication
- Is effective in interpersonal interactions as well as communicating both verbally and in writing.
- Shares pertinent information and ideas with others as appropriate.
- Listens carefully, and is open to other points of view and accepts constructive feedback.
- Uses appropriate language, tone, style and structure in all communications.
- Fosters and maintains effective work relationships.
Customer Focus
- Effectively applies knowledge of departmental service or product to best satisfy the customer’s needs and expectations.
- Resolve customer questions and/or complaints efficiently, effectively, and professionally.
- Demonstrates a sense of urgency and responsibility to consistently provide service at all levels.
- Is committed to increasing customer satisfaction and confidence.
- Regularly seeks feedback and input from customers.
- Demonstrates consistent customer follow-up.
- Provides service that is responsive, courteous, and respectful.
Problem Solving/Decision Making
- Builds a logical approach to address problems and/or manage the situation at hand by drawing on one’s knowledge and experience, calling on other references and resources as necessary.
- Undertakes complex tasks by breaking it down into manageable parts in a systematic and detailed manner utilizing critical thinking and analysis.
- Thinks of several possible explanations or alternatives for a situation, anticipates potential obstacles, and develops contingency plans to overcome them.
- Identifies the information needed to solve problems effectively and communicate outcomes.
- Presents problem analysis with recommended solutions, rather than simply describing the problem.
Creativity/Innovation
- Thinks and operates creatively; seeks out new responsibilities; acts on new opportunities.
- Has significant impact in creating breakthrough products or services that fulfill an institutional need.
- Generates new and progressive ideas; appropriately challenges the status quo.
- Takes responsibility and informed risks.
- Supports and fosters change;encourages and rewards innovative practices.
- Solves problems creatively and independently.
Teamwork/Collaboration
- Interfaces and works with internal and external team members in ways that foster optimal team interaction and results.
- Meets team deadlines and responsibilities; keeps stakeholders informed appropriately.
- Listens to and values others’ opinions, promoting a collegial team atmosphere.
- Supports, assists, and empowers team leaders while also leveraging own expertise to accomplish group goals.
- Contributes to effective team processes and deliverables (e.g., team communication, team meetings, team exercises, etc.).
Legal & Regulatory Compliance
- Maintains awareness of applicable laws and regulations, and adheres to requirements.
- Holds self and others accountable for compliance; rewards and disciplines employees who exhibit and/or fails to exhibit appropriate handling of compliance.
- Cooperates with investigations and responds promptly to issues raised by audit services, compliance, HR, and General Counsel.
- Takes responsibility and accountability for any purposeful or inadvertent violations for self or those he/she supervises.
- Is approachable and open to staff and subordinates in raising concerns and/or issues.
Leadership (for Managers)
- Establishes the vision, strategic directions and high performance culture within his or her area of responsibility; exhibits the ability to build trust, influence outcomes and inspire others to effectively deliver results that positively impact the institution.
- Manages staff in planning and organizing projects and resources; develops goals and accountabilities; ensures effective execution and delivery of results, defined goals, and objectives.
- Develops self and others; is approachable to subordinates; fosters a culture of mutual respect, continuous learning, innovation; and focus on results.
- Makes adjustments to strategy and organizational direction as appropriate; establishes high standards of performance; provides coaching, feedback, and corrective action when necessary with fairness and consistency.
- Effectively allocates resources, manages budgets, and establishes metrics to minimize costs and maximize impact.