While the dictionary contains over 20 competencies, Spencer and Spencer identified 12 core competencies that predict success across most industries. If you download a , you will find detailed scales for these:
Focused on understanding and serving others. Key competencies include Interpersonal Understanding and Customer Service Orientation. Spencer And Spencer Competency Dictionary Pdf
Having specialized knowledge and technical skill. 6. Personal Effectiveness Cluster While the dictionary contains over 20 competencies, Spencer
Managers use the dictionary’s Positive and Negative Indicators to give specific feedback on observable behaviors rather than vague personality traits. Having specialized knowledge and technical skill
: Deeper characteristics that are harder to see but critical for long-term success, such as motives , traits , and self-concept . Types of Competencies The model distinguishes between two levels of proficiency:
A drive to improve performance and meet challenging goals.
, a research-backed tool that has influenced over 60% of Fortune 500 companies. 1. The Iceberg Model: What You Don’t See Matters Most Spencer and Spencer famously used the Iceberg Model to explain human capability: The Tip (Knowledge & Skills):