Cognitive Technologies Develops Leadership Competency Model for United Way America

April 1, 2005 – Cognitive Technologies has developed a performance-based competency model for executive leadership at the United Way of America. The competency model will be used to recruit and hire the right candidates, staff new executive openings, and serve as a guide for ongoing development and continuous improvement.

Creating and sustaining high levels of performance in organizations requires strong, able leadership, whether in business or non-profits. Cognitive Technologies believes the ‘art of leadership’ is actually a set of competencies and corresponding behaviors that can be learned and practiced. Competencies are the skills, knowledge, and traits or abilities that individuals leverage to perform at or above standard in a specific role.

“We believe that developing leaders is the key ingredient for strong and productive organizations. The research on leadership clearly demonstrates that with proper attention and guidance, highly competent leaders can be developed at all levels of an organization. Organizations can develop ‘ready now’ leaders using a competency model that guides development of emerging leaders throughout the ranks. Executive leaders can use a performance-based competency model to expand their current competencies for personal development and continual improvement or in response to rapid changes in their business climate.” notes Dr. Karen McGraw, President of Cognitive Technologies.

The competency model for executive leadership at the United Way of America was developed by interviewing key performers who had already demonstrated success in the target role, and by conducting analyses to identify the competencies they were using to succeed. Each of the competencies in the model includes a definition and a description of the behaviors expected

About Cognitive Technologies Group
In business since 1987, Cognitive Technologies Group improves the performance of individuals and projects by focusing on people issues and applying cognitive principles. For more information, call 770-977-5555 or visit www.cognitive-technologies.com.