Leadership Competencies by Frame

A few semesters ago, as a class project at the end of the year, the students in BMA505 Organizational Behavior arrived collectively at this list of leadership (behavioral) competencies based upon what we had learned from and studied about Reframing .

As you read this list, think about the sets of behaviors that are associated with each of these competencies. Ask yourself how you might learn to engage in these behaviors skillfully and how others might experience your actions toward them in terms of these competencies and your skill exercising them.

Structural Frame

·         can communicate ideas about goals and strategic direction clearly, forcefully, and effectively to others (also symbolic)

·         know how to sort out, prioritize, and assign tasks, roles, and responsibilities

·         know how to design an organization (properly integrated and differentiated)

·         can determine and define  appropriate  span of control

·         can locate, understand boundaries and work skillfully across them 

·         can fit technology into formal and informal system 

·         can align goals, technology,  and structure

·         understand and can use the basic ideas of organizational contingency theory

Human Resource Frame

·         know how and when  to listen

·         are accomplished in giving and receiving feedback

·         are minimally defensive

·         understand groups and the skillful facilitation of group process

·         are interpersonally competent

·         seek and value feedback about the impact of self behavior

·         value diversity, are aware of and sensitive to differences

·         think and behave contingently and flexibly

·         have a basic action theory of adult learning and can apply this theory to personal growth, both one's own and others

·         know  about job design (also structural)

Political Frame

·         understand power and have a successful action theory about the nature and use  of personal power in social relationships, i.e., use  power skillfully.

·         manage and don't shy away from conflict and have the skills to resolve differences.

·         behave ethically.

·         know how to scan (map) the political terrain

·         can get to yes with others, especially on an uneven political playing field

Symbolic Frame

·         can diagnose the complex culture of an organizations and can help shape its evolution.

·         can communicate figuratively and wisely, understand the many tools of effective communication and can use these tools well

·         can engage in high ordered thinking about complex things and are willing to act in ambiguous settings and deal comfortably with paradox and uncertainty

·         can explain complex things to others in many ways so they understand

·         e.g., understand how to use symbols to communicate