Category: Thought

Competency: Managing Systems

Competency Definition: The ability to influence how people, processes, tools, and technology interact as an integrated system to support teams and achieve organizational outcomes.

Abbreviation in Louisiana Jobs: MSy - 26


Managing Systems

Competency Behaviors: Specific, observable actions demonstrating the competency

Forming


Struggles to demonstrate the competency; needs guidance and practice.
  • Struggles to identify systemic problems; relies on isolated or surface-level symptoms
  • Struggles to recognize patterns or interdependencies; overlooks cause-and-effect relationships
  • Makes decisions focused only on immediate or local impact, without considering broader system effects
  • Struggles to adapt when system conditions change; depends on prior assumptions without reevaluation

Improving


Shows growth and increasing confidence but not yet consistently independent

Successful


Demonstrates the competency independently and reliably in routine situations
  • Frames problems in terms of system-wide context, identifying contributing factors and relationships
  • Analyzes how components influence each other and the whole; identifies interdependencies and patterns
  • Makes decisions with awareness of system-wide impacts, anticipating both direct and indirect consequences
  • Adjusts to dynamic systems; seeks out new knowledge to inform future system-based improvements

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.
  • Reframes issues to address systemic root causes; applies creative and structured problem-solving approaches
  • Anticipates ripple effects across systems; proactively coordinates actions to minimize disruption
  • Balances short- and long-term needs by making choices that strengthen system health across teams or divisions
  • Responds with agility in complex, fast-changing systems; introduces improvements that enhance resilience, coordination, or integration