10 Competencies Most Wanted

by Employers
1. Analytical Skills
• Analytical skill is the ability to visualize, articulate, and solve
both complex and uncomplicated problems and concepts and
make decisions that are sensible and based on available
information. Such skills include demonstration of the ability to
apply logical thinking to gathering and analyzing information,
designing and testing solutions to problems, and formulating
plans.
• In 1999, Richards J. Heuer Jr., explained that: “Thinking
analytically is a skill like carpentry or driving a car. It can be
taught, it can be learned, and it can improve with practice. But
like many other skills, such as riding a bike, it is not learned by
sitting in a classroom and being told how to do it. Analysts
learn by doing.”[1]
2. Communication Skills
• Written
• Verbal
• Interpersonal
3. Flexibility and Adaptability
• Flexibility involves:
• Adapting successfully to changing situations and environments
• Keeping calm in the face of difficulties
• Planning ahead, but having “back up” plans in case things go
wrong
• Thinking “on your feet” to respond to sudden changes in
circumstances
• Persisting in the face of unexpected difficulties
• Anticipating and responding positively to changing environments
• Ability to adapt to change positively
• Taking on new challenges at short notice
• Dealing with changing priorities/workload
4. Initiative/Drive/Energy
• Use initiative to act on opportunities. Become a leader before other
people view you as one. Healthy organizations reward those who
take the lead, not just those with formal management roles.
• Take responsibility for own objectives: set priorities.
• Display a "can do" attitude even in demanding situations.. Try to
solve problems, rather than to pass them on to other people. First
answer is ‘yes, I’ll make it happen’ .
• "Go the extra mile" when asked to do tasks. Go beyond your job
description. Do work that gets you noticed.
• Show enthusiasm: this will be noticed and you will eventually be
rewarded.
• Take ownership of problems: anticipate potential problems, take
pre-emptive action and act quickly to resolve problems.
• Introduce improvements to the way things are done.
• Develop innovative practices. Value innovative thinking.
• Learn new skills that will enhance capability.
• Common sense is not common!
5. Leadership Skills
• Being able to motivate & direct others
• Taking responsibility for the direction & actions of a team
• Setting objectives.
• Organizing & motivating others.
• Taking the initiative
• Persevering when things are not working out.
• Taking a positive attitude to frustration/failure.
• Accepting responsibility for mistakes/wrong decisions.
• Being flexible: prepared to adapt goals in the light of changing
situations
6. Planning Skills
• Identifying your objectives
• Setting objectives which are achievable & measurable.
• Prioritizing your tasks effectively.
• Identifying the steps needed to achieve your goals.
• Using lists.
• Being able to work effectively under pressure.
• Completing work to a deadline.
• Having a contingency plan
7. Problem Solving Skills
Evaluate the Gather
Problem Information

Identify Break
solutions Problem into
Parts

Select Best
Solution Take Action

Test and Exam the

Review results
8. Teamwork Skills
• Creating enthusiasm and initiative to make things happen
• Having clear, logical objectives
• Making sure everyone clearly understands their roles and
tasks
• Delegating tasks to people with the right skills
• Using people with different skills (eg. Creative, organizer…)
• Taking a positive attitude to and learning from setbacks
• Having people who can coordinate and accept responsibility
• Being comfortable with disagreement and seeing it as useful
• Listening to others and giving constructive feedback if needed
• Supportive, informal group atmosphere – use of humour
9. Technical/Technology Skills
• Basic concepts of information technology
• Practical computing skills
10. Time Management Skills
• Time management is necessary because:
• Available time is limited
• Goals are usually multiple and sometimes conflict
• Not all goals are of equal priority
Endnotes
• 1. “Psychology of Intelligence Analysis”, Richard J. Heuer Jr,
published by "Center for the Study of Intelligence", 1999, ISBN
1 929 667-00-0