Category: Thought

Competency: Thinking Strategically

Competency Definition: The ability to anticipate trends, understand context, and align actions with long-term priorities.

Abbreviation in Louisiana Jobs: TS - 26


Thinking Strategically

Competency Behaviors: Specific, observable actions demonstrating the competency

Forming


Struggles to demonstrate the competency; needs guidance and practice.
  • Struggles to recognize how current actions may affect long-term goals or expose future risks
  • Struggles to identify problems or generate solutions; relies on others to analyze situations
  • Struggles to use evidence to support strategic thinking
  • Struggles to anticipate possible outcomes or consequences of decisions
  • Struggles to identify which stakeholders may be affected by or influence strategic outcomes

Improving


Shows growth and increasing confidence but not yet consistently independent

Successful


Demonstrates the competency independently and reliably in routine situations
  • Identifies long-term goals and aligns short-term actions to support future objectives
  • Interprets problems in context by considering both short-term needs and long-term goals
  • Applies evidence to inform strategic thinking
  • Considers both short- and long-term implications when making decisions
  • Considers stakeholder interests when setting priorities or planning actions

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 long-term challenges and opportunities; adjusts strategies to align short- and long-term priorities across teams or systems
  • Evaluates underlying issues and uncovers strategic opportunities; identifies emerging issues before they escalate
  • Identifies patterns across multiple sources of evidence and trends to shape long-term planning and guide strategic priorities
  • Anticipates the broader organizational and stakeholder impact of decisions
  • Anticipates stakeholder reactions and integrates diverse perspectives into long-term strategies or decisions