USFWS Leadership Competency Development Model

The foundational leadership competencies form the foundation upon which all leadership success is built. Knowledge, skill and ability in each of these six competencies are the bedrock to success as a leader.

Each of the four organizational leadership levels builds upon the foundation. Even though a progression of logical steps is shown above, the progression of leadership development is not always linear. Mission critical competencies displayed for each organizational leadership level in this Model are situational, and are not cast in stone. As times change, our mission will require that the Service organization make changes too. The competencies leaders need now may not be the same competencies that leaders will need in the future. The Leadership Competency Development Model may need to be updated as organizational changes evolve in the future.

While the intent is not to minimize or downplay the importance of striving for excellence in all 28 leadership competencies, it is often difficult to focus on more than a few competencies at the same time. The Model identifies the top seven competencies Service leaders believed to be most important for success in the Service for each organizational leadership level. Service employees need to know what these mission critical competencies are, and need to build strength in these areas.

Listed are seven mission critical competencies identified for Service leaders by Service leaders at each of the organizational levels. Additional information for each of the competencies is provided in this document.

Last Updated: November 20, 2008

National Conservation Training Center
698 Conservation Way
Shepherdstown, West Virginia 25443-9713

Webmaster email: NCTC_webmaster@fws.gov