THE MSLD COMPETENCY MODEL

The MSLD Curriculum is based on a list of critically important leadership competencies. Our students complete a multirater assessment early in the program and have the chance to complete it again when they complete all the coursework. The competency list is periodically updated with the help of our graduates and students, who interview key leaders in their organizations. See the list of competencies below.

Personal Mastery Competencies

Adaptability	​The ability to demonstrate resilience and agility under changing conditions in the environment.
Critical Thinking / Decision Making	​The ability to analyze a problem and reach a timely and defensible decision. Involves seeking information, analyzing the options, proposing possible solutions, and making a decision.
Integrity and Ethics	​The ability to recognize and resolve ethical dilemmas, prioritize ethical values, courageously implement ethical solutions, and promote a culture of integrity and authenticity.
Developing Self	​The ability to manage one’s impact on others by practicing self-awareness, self-management, and by demonstrating continuous learning.

Relational Competencies

Building Teams	The ability to create and support synergistic teams maximizing psychological safety, trust, openness, and collaboration.
Developing Others	The ability to help “others reach their potential” (SHRM, 2011, p. 4). Involves coaching, providing feedback, and sharing expertise.
Effective Communications	Receiving and transmitting information to others effectively and holistically.  Involves the expression and understanding of ideas, thoughts and feelings in oral and written forms, within small or large groups, and using appropriate technology.
Inspiring and Involving Others	The ability to recognize contributions and foster an engaging environment.
Intercultural / Global Intelligence	Ability to respect, work effectively with people from varying backgrounds and perspectives. Includes cultural sensitivity, cultural adaptability, and respect for others.
Relationship Building	​The ability to relate to others in a warm and inviting manner. Includes collaborating, networking, influencing, inspiring, and interacting positively with others.

Strategic Competencies

Capitalizing on Conflict	Recognizing, analyzing, and maximizing the benefit of differences of opinion in the workplace. Involves openness, honesty, and the ability to have critical conversations.
Innovation and Future Thinking	The ability to anticipate trends and consider possibilities. This competency includes fostering an environment of innovation, risk, experimentation, and comfort with failure.
Leading Change	Comfort with and ability to lead change processes within the organization.
Strategic Vision	The ability to see a problem systemically and holistically, envision an exciting future state, and invite others to reach it.
Organizational Research and Data Analytics	The ability to collect and analyze data from various sources to support leadership decisions and to critically read and apply the content of credible research.

Developed by Dr. Cris Wildermuth. Updated on 7/28/2020