[column 12 layout="standard"] BUSINESS ACUMEN
Integrates organizational and business knowledge and job performance.[/column] 

[column 12] Electric Cooperative Business Fundamentals
Understands and integrates cooperative principles and industry knowledge into daily practice.[/column] 

[column 12]

• Demonstrates an appreciation of cooperative principles and values.
• Knows the basic and emerging principles and concepts that impact the energy industry.
• Understands the functional areas of electric utility infrastructure.
• Recognizes the issues and challenges for electric utilities and the impact on their own system.
• Keeps pace with the current utility trends and technologies.
• Integrates knowledge of the cooperative business model and processes into daily practice.

[/column] 

[column 12] Organizational Awareness and Alignment
Understands and supports the formal and informal decision-making structures and relationships in the organization.[/column] 

[column 12]

• Understands the organization's chain of command and governance practices.
• Follows policies and procedures.
• Recognizes the norms and values of the organization.Identifies the roles and responsibilities of key departments and employees and the interrelationships between them.
• Recognizes the role of power and politics within the organization; understands internal and external politics and their impacts on the organization.
• Performs one's job with the broader organizational goals and values in mind.
• Adapts actions to the organizational culture.

[/column] 

[column 12] Professional and Technical Credibility
Keeps current in area(s) of expertise and demonstrates competency within areas of functional responsibility.[/column] 

[column 12]

• Stays current with research, trends, and news in one's professional field.
• Works from facts and integrates knowledge and skills into daily practice.
• Conveys a command of relevant facts and information.
• Builds credibility by demonstrating personal commitment and sharing information.

[/column] 

[column 12] Technology Management
Keeps current on developments and leverages technology in performance of job duties.[/column] 

[column 12]

• Shows willingness to learn and apply technologies and systems.
• Finds answers to technology questions.
• Finds new uses or ways to get results from existing technology.
• Makes an effort to remain updated with technology.
• Knows the basics of troubleshooting and maintaining basic devices and machines.
• Uses appropriate technology to find and process information.
• Applies new technical and business information/knowledge to practical use on the job.
  

[/column] 

[column 12] Safety Awareness
Applies core safety knowledge, skills and mindset to everyday work.[/column] 

[column 12]

• Takes actions to ensure the safety of self and others, in accordance with established safety practices.
• Recognizes and takes appropriate action to eliminate or minimize workplace hazards that could harm someone or damage property.
• Alerts co-workers and supervisors to hazardous conditions and deviations from safety practices and procedures as soon as safely possible.
• Complies with occupational safety and health standards and all rules, regulations, and standards that are applicable the employee's actions and conduct.
• Always uses appropriate personal protective equipment and tools.
• Is aware of and can articulate the organization’s safety goals and related metrics.
  
• Shares their knowledge and awareness of safety issues with others to actively encourage a culture of safety excellence.
• Transfers safety principles, practices, and habits from one's work to one's home and community.
  

[/column] 

[column 12]

Related Learning Programs
 

• Electricity Basics (online)
• Governance Talk Videos (online)
• Online Orientation for New Employees and Co-op Directors (online)
• Safety Improvement Plan (online)
• Safety Performance Measures (online)
• Safety Self-Assessment (online)
• 5101.1 Cooperative Finance & Accounting for the Non-Accountant
• 5115.2 Technology Planning & Decision Making: Enhancing Core Competencies Across the Cooperative Organization
• 5205.1 Making Safety YOUR Business: Every Person. Every Action. Every Day.
• 5301.1 Customer Service Essentials

[/column] 

[column 12 layout="standard"] INTERACTIONS WITH OTHERS
Builds constructive working relationships characterized by a high level of acceptance, cooperation, and mutual respect.[/column] 

[column 12] Ethics and Integrity
Demonstrates personal and professional honesty and chooses ethical courses of action.[/column] 

[column 12]

• Adheres to professional standards.
• Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect.
• Carries a fair share of the workload.
• Gives credit where due.
• Respects and maintains confidentiality of information or concerns shared by others.
  
• Is honest and forthright; acts in a fair and trustworthy manner.
• Keeps promises and commitments made to others.
• Does not misrepresent self or use position for personal gain.
• Avoids situations and actions considered inappropriate or which present a conflict of interest.
• Willing to take an independent position in the face of opposition.
• Accepts responsibility for positive and negative outcomes; takes responsibility for one's mistakes.

[/column] 

[column 12] Interpersonal Awareness
Maintains constructive working relationships characterized by a high level of acceptance, cooperation, and mutual respect.[/column] 

[column 12]
[/column] 

[column 12] Communication
Receives and conveys information to diverse audiences in diverse situations.[/column] 

[column 12]
[/column] 

[column 12] Collaboration and Teamwork
Works cooperatively and collaboratively with others to achieve collective goals.[/column] 

[column 12]

• Builds and maintains constructive professional relationships.
• Seeks opportunities to work on teams.
• Helps and supports others.
• Shows commitment to the team’s purpose and goals.
• Recognizes the value of joint ownership of goal setting, commitments, and accomplishments.
• Supports consensus.
  
• Gives and receives constructive feedback.
• Helps remove barriers to team productivity and success.
• Shares information and encourage others to do the same.
• Acknowledges and celebrates the achievements of teammates; recognizes the efforts of others.

[/column] 

[column 12] Service Orientation
Demonstrates a desire and ability to serve and work in partnership with others (members, colleagues, stakeholders).[/column] 

[column 12]

• Treats and views members as owners.
• Delivers consistent and courteous service and results.
• Demonstrates understanding of characteristics of the local community.
• Responses promptly and effectively to complaints, feedback and comments.
• Takes personal responsibility for addressing customer service questions and issues.
• Works in partnership with customers.
• Listens to the customer’s point of view to ensure recommendations truly meet needs.
• Directs questions and concerns to the appropriate sources.
• Anticipates current and potential future needs.
• Identifies how services and processes can be improved to better satisfy expectations.
• Makes business decisions based on impact to members.
• Informs others of intentions.
• Keeps customers up-to-date on the progress of projects that impact them.

[/column] 

[column 12] Diversity Awareness
Recognizes, respects, and adapts to others' differences in order to work effectively. [/column] 

[column 12]

• Considers and appreciates the value that comes from diverse perspectives and working styles.
• Understands and works proactively to resolve conflicts, tensions, misunderstandings that can occur due to personal differences.
• Shows respect for the values, beliefs and customs of others.
• Acknowledges diverse opinions and accepts differences.
• Displays an open, non-judgmental approach regarding differences of opinion.
• Recognizes and addresses one’s own filters, biases (both conscious and unconscious), and preferences.
• Seeks different points of view and leverages diverse perspectives in group discussions.
• Strives to eliminate barriers to diversity and ensures that new barriers are not built.
• Helps create a work environment that embraces and appreciates diversity; supports fair treatment and equal opportunity for all.

[/column] 

[column 12]

Related Learning Programs
 

• 5115.2 Technology Planning & Decision Making: Enhancing Core Competencies Across the Cooperative Organization
• 5201.1 Accountability: What Do You Say? What Do You Do?
• 5205.1 Making Safety YOUR Business: Every Person. Every Action. Every Day.
• 5301.1 Customer Service Essentials
• 5302.1 Know Yourself: Communicating with Awareness
• 5303.2 Effective Listening: Skills for Dialogue
• 5304.2 When Sparks Fly: Transforming Conflict
• 5305.1 Powerful Presentations Made Easy
• 5401.1 Honoring Our Common Differences: Reflective Actions for Inclusivity

[/column] 

[column 12 layout="standard"] RESOURCEFULNESS AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Takes responsibility for accomplishing work objectives and delivering business results.[/column] 

[column 12] Self-Management
Demonstrates resiliency and manages own time, priorities, and resources to achieve goals.[/column] 

[column 12]

• Demonstrates a professional presence.
• Shows up to work on time, and follows instructions, policies, and procedures.
• Is committed to effective job performance.
• Is confident of own ability to accomplish goals.
• Works independently, with little direction; proactively acts and follows through on work activities.
• Maintains a predictable work schedule, shows up to meetings on time, and communicates schedule changes.
• Meets productivity standards and deadlines.
• Prioritizes tasks by importance and deadline; makes the best use of available time and resources.
• Persists when difficulties arise; functions effectively when under pressure.
• Displays a positive attitude about the work, co-workers, members, management, and policies.
• Can effectively handle several problems or tasks at once.
• Stays focused on tasks in spite of distractions and interruptions.
• Maintains accuracy even when pace or volume of work increases.
• Evaluates progress on tasks and makes needed adjustments.
• Leads by example and sets standards for professional behavior.

[/column] 

[column 12] Flexibility and Innovation
Is adaptable and contributes creative ideas and solutions to meet changing business needs.[/column] 

[column 12]

• Considers situations from new perspectives.
• Demonstrates openness to new organizational structures, procedures, and technology.
• Explores possible solutions in an innovative and creative way.
• Adjusts priorities as situations change.
• Contributes original and resourceful ideas in brainstorming sessions.
• Connects seemingly unrelated ideas, events, and circumstances to find repeatable solutions to individual problems.
• Experiments with new ideas and strategies.
• Applies lessons learned from past failures.
• Modifies a strongly held position in the face of contrary evidence.
• Recovers quickly from setbacks, and finds alternative ways to reach goals or targets.

[/column] 

[column 12] Results Oriented
Strives for excellence in achieving business outcomes.[/column] 

[column 12]

• Approaches challenging tasks with a “can-do” attitude.
• Collaborates to develop an understanding of goals and desired outcomes.
• Sets and achieves challenging goals.
• Meets and exceeds deadlines.
• Makes reasonable estimates of resource and time needs to achieve goals or complete projects.
• Pays attention to the quality of work produced; ensures results are complete and accurate.
• Evaluates work results for effectiveness.
• Uses measures to assess goal attainment and outcome achievement.
• Follows-up to ensure quality of work product and/or actions are completed.
• Looks for opportunities to improve work practices.
• Takes personal ownership in the organization's success.

[/column] 

[column 12] Influence and Negotiation
Manages challenges in a constructive manner and reaches compromises, gains support and strives for win-win solutions.
[/column] 

[column 12]

• Demonstrates the ability to influence others, gaining their understanding and support.
• Gains others trust by being honest, respectful, and sensitive to their needs.
• Addresses issues openly, constructively and professionally.
• Involves others in a process or decision to ensure their support.
• Seeks to understand the issues, interests, and objectives of each individual.
• Structures situations to create a desired impact and to maximize the chances of a favorable outcome.
• Finds solutions that are acceptable to diverse groups with conflicting interests and needs.
• Presents interests in ways that foster the understanding and resolution of problems.
• Seeks to understand others’ interests and remains open to different approaches.
• Maintains relationships and supports consensus.
• Seeks additional resources or support or moves to a different strategy for resolving issues.
• Capitalizes on both formal channels and informal networks to achieve goals.

[/column] 

[column 12] Critical Thinking and Decision Making
Uses objective analysis and evaluation to make decisions and implement solutions.[/column] 

[column 12]

• Asks questions to clarify a situation or problem.
• Frames problems before trying to solve them.
• Objectively weighs information and avoids jumping to conclusions based on incorrect assumptions, cognitive bias, or inaccurate/incomplete information.
• Thinks in terms of desired outcomes, not just reactive, quick solutions.
• Recognizes the human, interpersonal and technical sides of a problem.
• Applies lessons learned from past experiences to new situations; learns from the consequences of prior decisions.
• Seeks the perspective of others, including those with opposing views to generate alternative approaches and solutions.
• Obtains and weighs relevancy and accuracy of information before making a decision.
• Breaks down complex information into component parts.
• Finds the trends and patterns to create new insights.
• Shows insight into the root causes of problems.
• Recognizes when information and analysis is sufficient to commit to a solution in a timely manner.
• Considers the impact, short and long-term consequences and chances for success in making a decision.
• Develops and objectively evaluates alternative solutions.
  
• akes ownership of and explains the rationale for decisions to others.
  
• Evaluates the chosen course of action after implementation to assess the need for an alternative approach.

[/column] 

[column 12] Continuous Learning and Development
Displays curiosity and an ongoing commitment to learning and self-improvement. [/column] 

[column 12]

• Recognizes own strengths and areas for improvement.
• Manages personal health and emotional well-being.
• Shows curiosity and a willingness to continuously learn and grow.
• Seeks and acquires new competencies, work methods, ideas, and information that will improve performance.
• Works with manager to set specific, measurable goals and clarifies expectations about what will be done.
• Identifies and accesses the information, resources and learning opportunities needed to accomplish work.
• Notifies manager about any problems that affect the ability to accomplish planned goals.
• Demonstrates self-reflection and solicits feedback from others.
• Learns from mistakes and successes.

[/column] 

[column 12]

Related Learning Programs
 

• 5101.1 Cooperative Finance & Accounting for the Non-Accountant
  
• 5115.2 Technology Planning & Decision Making: Enhancing Core Competencies Across the Cooperative Organization
• 5201.1 Accountability: What Do You Say? What Do You Do?
• 5205.1 Making Safety YOUR Business: Every Person. Every Action. Every Day.
• 5301.1 Customer Service Essentials
• 5302.1 Know Yourself: Communicating with Awareness
• 5303.2 Effective Listening: Skills for Dialogue
• 5304.2 When Sparks Fly: Transforming Conflict
• 5305.1 Powerful Presentations Made Easy
• 5401.1 Honoring Our Common Differences: Reflective Actions for Inclusivity
  

[/column]