ACOR Competency IC level

Question 1

Communicating with Impact definition

Answer 1

The associate expresses thoughts and ideas in a clear, succinct, and compelling manner in one-on-one and group settings as well as in written format. The associate captures the attention of the audience — listening to and adjusting accordingly — to ensure the intent of the communication is successfully conveyed.

Question 2

(Communicating with Impact) Six Key Behavioral Indicators

Answer 2

Organizes the Communication
Delivers Crystal-Clear Messages
Presents with Impact
Creates Clearly-Written Communication
Adjusts to the Audience
Ensures Understanding

Question 3

Organizes the Communication (BI)

Answer 3

Clarifies purpose and importance; stresses major points; follows a logical sequence.

Question 4

Delivers Crystal-Clear Messages (BI)

Answer 4

Uses appropriate and effective vocabulary; is in command of the message; logically and simply conveys ideas.

Question 5

Presents with Impact (BI)

Answer 5

Speaks with appropriate pace and inflection; conveys an air of confidence, ease, and enthusiasm; understands the material and uses congruent non-verbal communication; may use visual aids to enhance understanding of content.

Question 6

Creates Clearly-Written Communication (BI)

Answer 6

Writes clearly and understandably; sequences information in a logical manner to aid understanding; uses appropriate grammar and punctuation; avoids unnecessary jargon or technical words; uses a tone and format suggested by the topic and audience.

Question 7

Adjusts to the Audience (BI)

Answer 7

Frames messages in line with audience experience, background, and expectations; uses terms, examples, and analogies that are meaningful to the audience.

Question 8

Ensures Understanding (BI)

Answer 8

Seeks input from audience; confirms understanding; presents message in different ways to enhance understanding.

Question 9

Decision Making & Problem Solving definition

Answer 9

The associate identifies and understands issues, problems, and opportunities. Collects and compares information from different sources to draw conclusions; uses effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions, and takes timely action that is consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences.

Question 10

(Decision Making & Problem Solving) Four Key Behavioral Indicators

Answer 10

Identifies Issues, Problems, and Opportunities
Gathers Relevant Information
Organizes, Analyzes, and Interprets Information
Takes Thoughtful Action

Question 11

Identifies Issues, Problems, and Opportunities (BI)

Answer 11

Recognizes issues, problems or opportunities and determines whether and when a decision is warranted.

Question 12

Gathers Relevant Information (BI)

Answer 12

Identifies the need for and collects information to better understand issues, problems, and opportunities; fills information ‘gaps’ related to pending decisions; makes relevant, clear, and specific inquiries to verify facts and obtains additional information if necessary.

Question 13

Organizes, Analyzes, and Interprets Information (BI)

Answer 13

Integrates quantitative and/or qualitative data to identify/explain trends, problems, and their causes; compares, contrasts, and combines information to determine root issues; sees associations between seemingly independent problems or events to recognize trends, problems, and possible cause-and-effect relationships.

Question 14

Takes Thoughtful Action (BI)

Answer 14

Implements decisions in a timely manner; knows when to take action to prevent a problem or resolve an issue; uses good judgment in determining when to consult one’s manager and/or others in a challenging situation.

Question 15

Taking Initiative & Follow-up definition

Answer 15

The associate takes proper action to accomplish tasks and objectives, acts to achieve goals beyond what is required in a thoughtful way, is consistently proactive — does not wait, and informs the appropriate party when necessary.

Question 16

(Taking Initiative & Follow-up) Four Key Behavioral Indicators

Answer 16

Responds with a Sense of Urgency
Takes Action
Goes Above and Beyond
Escalates Issues

Question 17

Responds with a Sense of Urgency (BI)

Answer 17

Takes immediate action when confronted with a problem or when made aware of a situation — makes supervisor aware appropriately.

Question 18

Takes Action (BI)

Answer 18

Has a continuous improvement mindset – looks for ways to implement new ideas or solutions without being prompted.

Question 19

Goes Above and Beyond (BI)

Answer 19

Takes action that goes beyond the minimum requirement; is creative in order to achieve objectives.

Question 20

Escalates Issues (BI)

Answer 20

Identifies issues, problems, or situations that require immediate action(s) beyond one’s own limits of authority; communicates these issues to responsible parties (e.g., one’s manager, individuals in other functions) so prompt action can be taken.

Question 21

Planning & Organizing definition

Answer 21

Ensures that high-quality work is completed effectively and on time by establishing a personal course of action.

Question 22

(Planning & Organizing) Four Key Behavioral Indicators

Answer 22

Prioritizes
Manages Time
Leverages Available Resources
Stays Focused

Question 23

Prioritizes (BI)

Answer 23

Identifies more critical and less critical assignments; adjusts priorities when appropriate.

Question 24

Manages Time (BI)

Answer 24

Uses effective time-management skills; allocates appropriate amounts of time for completing work; develops and sticks to timelines and milestones.

Question 25

Leverages Available Resources (BI)

Answer 25

Maximizes resources to ensure work is completed effectively.

Question 26

Stays Focused (BI)

Answer 26

Prevents irrelevant issues or distractions from interfering with work.

Question 27

Building Effective Partnerships definition

Answer 27

The associate develops and sustains collaborative relationships based on trust to facilitate the accomplishment of work goals and modifies one’s own behavior to accommodate tasks, situations, and individuals involved.

Question 28

(Building Effective Partnerships) Four Key Behavioral Indicators

Answer 28

Operates with Integrity
Has Requisite Level of Knowledge
Develops Ideas of Others
Facilitates Agreement

Question 29

Operates with Integrity (BI)

Answer 29

Demonstrates honesty; keeps commitments, and behaves in a professional manner each and every day.

Question 30

Has Requisite Level of Knowledge (BI)

Answer 30

Is competent in subject matter at hand; demonstrates ability, know-how, and relevant experience to perform specific task.

Question 31

Develops Ideas of Others (BI)

Answer 31

Seeks and enhances ideas of others, contributes own ideas to discussions at hand.

Question 32

Facilitates Agreement (BI)

Answer 32

Gains agreement from partners to support ideas or take action; works towards achieving a consensus of opinion.

Question 33

Adaptability definition

Answer 33

Maintains effectiveness when experiencing changes in work environment or tasks and adjusts effectively to function within work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures.

Question 34

(Adaptability) Three Key Behavioral Indicators

Answer 34

Inquires about Changes
Approaches (Embraces) Change or Newness Positively
Adjusts Behavior

Question 35

Inquires about Changes (BI)

Answer 35

Seeks to understand changes in work tasks, situations, and environment as well as the logic or basis for change; actively seeks information about new work situations.

Question 36

Approaches (Embraces) Change or Newness Positively (BI)

Answer 36

Treats change and new situations as opportunities for learning or growth; focuses on the beneficial aspects of change; speaks positively about the change to others.

Question 37

Adjusts Behavior (BI)

Answer 37

Quickly modifies behavior to deal effectively with changes in the work environment; readily tries new approaches appropriate for changed situations; does not persist with ineffective behaviors.