Category: Thought

Competency: Developing Plans

Competency Definition: The ability to create structured strategies and plans that support the achievement of defined goals and objectives.

Abbreviation in Louisiana Jobs: DP - 26


Developing Plans

Competency Behaviors: Specific, observable actions demonstrating the competency

Forming


Struggles to demonstrate the competency; needs guidance and practice.
  • Defines goals that are vague, lack focus, or do not reflect department or organizational priorities
  • Develops strategies that lack structure, evidence, or connection to the intended goals
  • Underestimates or misjudges the time, effort, or resources needed to carry out plans
  • Omits key planning elements such as milestones, timelines, or tasks; plans may be incomplete or lack coherence

Improving


Shows growth and increasing confidence but not yet consistently independent

Successful


Demonstrates the competency independently and reliably in routine situations
  • Defines specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timebound (SMART) goals which align with department or organizational objectives
  • Designs strategies supported by data, evidence, or stakeholder input that logically connect to the defined goal
  • Estimates time, staffing, and resource needs based on task requirements and executes plans accordingly
  • Produces actionable implementation plans with timelines, milestones, and task assignments

Exceeds


Applies the competency independently in challenging or high-impact situations, adding value or insight

Exceptional


Demonstrates subject-matter expertise, serves as a role model, and elevates standards.
  • Anticipates risks or shifts and adapts goals while maintaining alignment with broader objectives
  • Builds insight-driven plans that connect strategic intent to execution, balancing long-term vision with short-term deliverables
  • Anticipates time and resource needs based on scope and complexity; builds buffers and adapts plans to avoid delays or bottlenecks
  • Integrates planning tools, templates, or workflows that help others implement tasks with confidence and consistency