Competencies | Becoming YU | York University

What is a competency?

A competency is the capability to apply or use a set of related knowledge, skills, abilities and individual attributes which, when applied in specific roles, help achieve desired results.
To better understand a competency, it’s important to define its components:

Knowledge is the information you know, including principles, facts and procedures as well as the ability to apply this information in a variety of situations. For example, you may know the procedure perform mathematical tasks like multiplying double digit numbers.
A skill is about using your knowledge to do something well—your ability to perform the right technique at the right time. It’s usually developed through training and practice. For example, you could become a skilled mathematician through frequent practice and application of the knowledge that you have.
Ability is the power or aptitude to perform physical or mental activities that are often associated with a profession or trade, such as computer programming, plumbing, calculus etc.
An attribute is an individual’s inherent characteristics or qualities, usually expressed through what they think, do and feel. They are viewed as genetically developed or acquired through life experiences. For example, you could be known for your friendly nature and positive attitude.

A competency is broken down into specific components or tasks. Each of those can be described in terms of specific behaviours at different levels of proficiency.

For example:

Communication is one of the six core competencies that we talk about in Becoming YU and it is broken down as follows:

Writing
Communicating verbally
Delivering presentations
Facilitating groups
Active listening
Asking questions
Influencing & persuading
Negotiating
Exercising tact, diplomacy and sensitivity
Customizing communication style and content
Giving feedback
Communicating via social/digital media

You can find a complete definition of each of the competencies and their components in the Becoming YU Competency Dictionary. By tracking the skills you’re developing through your personal, academic and professional experiences, you’ll be better equipped to articulate and provide examples of these skills to a prospective employer or for a future educational opportunity.

Knowledge is the information you know, including principles, facts and procedures as well as the ability to apply this information in a variety of situations. For example, you may know the procedure perform mathematical tasks like multiplying double digit numbers.
A skill is about using your knowledge to do something well—your ability to perform the right technique at the right time. It’s usually developed through training and practice. For example, you could become a skilled mathematician through frequent practice and application of the knowledge that you have.
Ability is the power or aptitude to perform physical or mental activities that are often associated with a profession or trade, such as computer programming, plumbing, calculus etc.
An attribute is an individual’s inherent characteristics or qualities, usually expressed through what they think, do and feel. They are viewed as genetically developed or acquired through life experiences. For example, you could be known for your friendly nature and positive attitude.

A competency is broken down into specific components or tasks. See below for the list of York’s six core competencies and their associated components/skills.

Communication

Writing
Communicating Verbally
Delivering Presentations
Facilitating Groups
Active Listening
Asking Questions
Influencing & Persuading
Negotiating
Exercising Tact, Diplomacy & Sensitivity
Customizing Communication Style & Content
Giving Feedback
Communicating via Social/Digital Media

Interpersonal Connections

Building Rapport
Liaising
Demonstrating Commitment to the Team
Advising/Counselling
Mediating/Resolving Conflict
Networking
Building Consensus
Collaborating
Showing Empathy
Advocating
Teaching & Training
Leading & Mentoring
Motivating & Inspiring
Delegating
Promoting & Facilitating Inclusiveness
Developing & Maintaining Relationships/Partnerships

Personal Success

Developing Self-Awareness & Accountability
Demonstrating Integrity & Ethical Conduct
Demonstrating Organizational Skills
Demonstrating the Ability to Follow Instructions, Policies & Procedures
Demonstrating Diligence & A Strong Work Ethic
Demonstrating Confidence
Demonstrating Professionalism & a Positive Attitude
Maintaining Confidentiality
Taking Ownership & Accountability
Being Flexible & Adaptable to Change
Being Proactive
Maintaining Composure
Demonstrating A Commitment to Continuous Learning
Managing Time Effectively
Demonstrating Perseverance & Resilience
Demonstrating Attention to Detail
Being Receptive to Feedback
Managing Work/Life Balance
Taking Initiative

Social Responsibility and Community Engagement

Embracing Diversity
Challenging Unfairness or Injustice
Demonstrating Cultural Competence
Demonstrating A Commitment to Civic Engagement
Demonstrating Social Consciousness
Staying Up-To-Date with Current Affairs/Issues
Engaging in Advocacy
Cultivating Community & Pride

Knowledge Acquisition & Application

Interpreting and Applying Specific Legislation, Policies & Best Practices
Staying Current
Demonstrating Information or Communication Technology Proficiency
Using Specific Techniques & Technology
Demonstrating Numerical Literacy
Reading, Understanding & Evaluating Information
Processing Information
Demonstrating Document Use Proficiency
Interpreting & Applying Specific Theories & Frameworks

Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving

Demonstrating Crisis Intervention Skills
Problem-Solving
Exercising Judgement & Decision-Making
Action Planning
Critical Thinking & Analyzing
Researching & Investigating
Showing Creativity & Innovation