Individual Competence Baseline in the People area – Part 7 IPMA Certification Guide

In previous sections, we have already written about IPMA Individual Competency Guidelines which cover three areas: Perspective, People and Practice, forming the so-called IPMA Competency Eye. We’ve already discussed competencies in the Perspective area. In this post, we’ll focus on competencies in the People area – that is, the personal and interpersonal competencies that are necessary to successfully participate in (or lead) a project, program or portfolio. Read on.

Individual Competence Baseline- table of contents:

1. People 1: Self-reflection and self-management
2. People 2: Personal integrity and reliability
3. People 3: Personal communication
4. People 4: Relationships and engagement
5. People 5: Leadership
6. People 6: Teamwork
7. People 7: Conflict and crisis
8. People 8: Resourcefulness
9. People 9: Negotiation
10. People 10: Results orientation

People 1: Self-reflection and self-management

This element of competence enables a project manager to control and direct their own behavior, in accordance with their own emotions, preferences and values. Self-management is the ability to set personal goals so as to check personal progress on an ongoing basis and, in addition, to work effectively and consistently despite changing conditions, and to cope with stressful situations.

People 2: Personal integrity and reliability

To meet project requirements, personal commitment, honesty and integrity are essential – the lack of these qualities can lead to failure. Internal consistency means, acting in accordance with your moral and ethical values. Integrity, on the other hand, is acting responsibly, in accordance with the specified expectations.

People 3: Personal communication

Interpersonal communication refers to the exchange of correct information, communicated in an accurate and specific manner to all parties involved. It mainly covers aspects of effective communication – the content and means of communication, which should be tailored to the audience. This element of competence also includes actively listening to the recipient and providing feedback, promoting open and frank communication, and using different means of communication (e.g., presentations, meetings, written forms) and understanding their value and limitations.

People 4: Relationships and engagement

Personal relationships are definitely the foundation of productive cooperation. This applies to both individual relationships and the creation of an entire network of relationships. It is especially important in the context of sharing your ideas, vision and goals with your team. It strongly influences the motivation and commitment of others to participate in tasks and to sacrifice for a common goal.

People 5: Leadership

Leadership is setting direction for individuals and groups. It is mainly based on the ability to select and apply the appropriate management style depending on the situation. Besides displaying leadership with their team, the individual needs to be seen as a leader in representing the project to senior management and other interested parties.

People 6: Teamwork

Teamwork focuses on bringing people together for a common goal. Teamwork is about building a productive team by creating, supporting and leading it. Relationships and communication within the team are key aspects of successful and effective teamwork.

People 7: Conflict and crisis

This element of competence includes moderating and resolving conflicts and crises by observing the environment, responding and selecting appropriate remedies. The team leader must handle the situation appropriately and constantly stimulate a process of continuous learning, for resolving future conflicts and crises.

People 8: Resourcefulness

Resourcefulness is the ability to apply different techniques and ways of thinking in the process of defining, analyzing and prioritizing, as well as finding alternatives for dealing with everyday problems and challenges. It requires highly developed skills of thinking and acting in original ways, as well as stimulating creativity in others (e.g., in a team). Resourcefulness is a competence that is useful when threats or problematic situations arise.

People 9: Negotiation

Negotiation is the process between two or more parties that aims to balance different interests, needs and expectations in order to reach an agreement. Negotiation includes both formal and informal processes such as buying, hiring, or selling or regarding requirements, budget and resources in projects.

People 10: Results orientation

Results orientation is the critical focus maintained by the individual on the outcomes of the project. The individual prioritizes the means and resources to overcome problems, challenges and obstacles in order to obtain the optimum outcome for all the parties involved. One critical aspect of results orientation is productivity, which is a combination of effectiveness and efficiency. The individual needs to plan and deploy resources efficiently to realize the agreed results and be effective.

You’ve just read an article on Individual Competence Baseline in the People area. Read also: How to tackle major issues in project management.

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