Leadership is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that requires a combination of skills, attributes, and values. Competency and character are two of the most important dimensions of leadership, but they are often misunderstood or neglected. In this article, we will explore what competency and character mean, why they are both essential for effective leadership, and how to balance them in your own leadership journey.

 

Competency refers to the knowledge, skills, understanding, and judgment that leaders need to perform their roles effectively. Competency determines what you can do as a leader, and it is often measured by your results, achievements, and performance. Competency is not a fixed trait, but a dynamic and evolving one that can be developed and improved through learning, practice, and feedback.

 

 

– Strategic thinking: the ability to envision, plan, and execute long-term goals and objectives that align with the vision and mission of the organization.

– Business acumen: the ability to understand, analyze, and manage the financial, operational, and market aspects of the organization and its environment.

– Organizational awareness: the ability to understand, navigate, and influence the culture, politics, and dynamics of the organization and its stakeholders.

– People skills: the ability to communicate, collaborate, motivate, and empower others to achieve shared goals and outcomes.

– Self-management: the ability to regulate, monitor, and improve your own emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in different situations and contexts.

 

Character refers to the values, traits, and virtues that define who you are as a person and as a leader. Character determines what you will do as a leader, and it is often judged by your integrity, ethics, and reputation. Character is not a given, but a choice that you make every day through your actions and decisions. Character is not a static or singular concept, but a dynamic and multidimensional one that can be shaped and influenced by your experiences, beliefs, and relationships.

 

 

– Integrity: the quality of being honest, trustworthy, and consistent in your words and deeds.

– Courage: the ability to face and overcome fear, uncertainty, and adversity with confidence and resilience.

– Humility: the ability to acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses, learn from your mistakes, and seek feedback and guidance from others.

– Justice: the ability to treat others fairly, respectfully, and equitably, and to uphold the principles and standards of the organization and society.

– Humanity: the ability to empathize, care, and connect with others, and to foster a sense of belonging and community.

 

 

Competency and character are both necessary, but not sufficient, for great leadership. A leader who is competent but lacks character may achieve short-term results, but may also cause long-term damage to the organization and its stakeholders. A leader who has character but lacks competency may have good intentions, but may also fail to deliver on the expectations and needs of the organization and its stakeholders. A leader who balances competency and character may not only achieve sustainable results, but may also inspire trust, respect, and loyalty among the organization and its stakeholders.

 

 

– Assess your current level of competency and character, and identify your strengths and areas for improvement. You can use self-assessment tools, feedback from others, or coaching and mentoring to help you with this process.

– Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for developing your competency and character, and create an action plan for achieving them. You can use learning resources, training programs, or developmental assignments to help you with this process.

– Monitor your progress and evaluate your outcomes, and celebrate your successes and learn from your failures. You can use reflection, feedback, or recognition to help you with this process.

– Seek and embrace opportunities to challenge yourself and grow your competency and character, and be open to new ideas and perspectives. You can use networking, volunteering, or mentoring to help you with this process.

– Model and reinforce the values and behaviors that reflect both competency and character, and encourage and support others to do the same. You can use communication, collaboration, or empowerment to help you with this process.

 

Competency and character are two of the most important dimensions of leadership, but they are often misunderstood or neglected. In this article, we have explored what competency and character mean, why they are both essential for effective leadership, and how to balance them in your own leadership journey. By developing and demonstrating both competency and character, you can become a great leader in today’s world..