Category: Results

Competency: Navigating Organizations

Competency Definition: The ability to understand what an organization values, how it is structured, and how decisions are made to accomplish its goals.

Abbreviation in Louisiana Jobs: NO - 26


Navigating Organizations

Competency Behaviors: Specific, observable actions demonstrating the competency

Forming


Struggles to demonstrate the competency; needs guidance and practice.
  • Lacks awareness of how the organization is structured or how decisions are made; bypasses key roles or protocols
  • Disregards or misunderstands organizational values or norms, leading to strained working relationships
  • Fails to recognize key stakeholders or understand their influence within the organization
  • Struggles to explain how individual work connects to broader organizational strategies or priorities

Improving


Shows growth and increasing confidence but not yet consistently independent

Successful


Demonstrates the competency independently and reliably in routine situations
  • Understands organizational structure and follows proper decision-making channels
  • Builds cooperative working relationships that reflect organizational values
  • Manages stakeholder expectations appropriately; navigates organizational politics with awareness and tact
  • Contributes to planning efforts by connecting work to agency goals and trends

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 and adapts to organizational shifts; leverages formal and informal decision-making channels to guide decisions and adjust direction
  • Models the organization’s culture through actions and messaging; builds trust and reinforces shared values
  • Navigates complex organizational dynamics; builds trusted relationships and gains support or alignment for key initiatives
  • Identifies opportunities to strengthen strategic alignment and recommends improvements to enhance organizational outcomes