Behavioural competencies for Researcher: Self-knowing and self-development

Assessing strengths and weaknesses and engaging in ongoing self-development and improvement; maintaining effectiveness in the face of change or ambiguity.

Level 1

Self-assesses and monitors oneself to maintain personal effectiveness

  • Knows personal strengths and limitations.
  • Sets priorities and balances multiple tasks to meet commitments.
  • Recognizes and seeks to close gaps in knowledge and skills through self-learning, and / or seeking assistance, advice or coaching.
  • Takes advantage of learning opportunities.
  • Continually applies new knowledge and learning to improve job performance.
  • Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in the face of change.
  • Seeks to balance work responsibilities and personal life commitments.
  • Maintains positive and constructive attitude in the face of frustrations and setbacks - avoids cynicism.

Level 2

Seeks to improve and maintain personal effectiveness in high demand situations

  • Recognizes personal work capacity and limitations, and modifies work accordingly (e.g. delegate, modify priorities).
  • Strives to meet commitments in high demand or high stress circumstances.
  • Effectively manages time and priorities to meet commitments of self and the team.
  • Maintains effectiveness, self-control and a professional attitude when challenged or in situations that are high demand, ambiguous or beyond one's control.
  • Sets challenging goals and standards of excellence for self.
  • Designs personal learning objectives based on anticipated future needs of the work unit, research centre and NRC.
  • Uses change as an opportunity to develop new skills and knowledge.

Level 3

Impacts on effectiveness of others

  • Maintains effective judgments, decision-making and responds constructively towards others in high demand, difficult or stressful periods or situations.
  • Positively influences others by remaining energized, enthusiastic and confident in the face of difficult and prolonged work demands.