Leadership Competencies

Throughout your career, you may have heard the terms "competency," "behavior," and "task" discussed. The following information was taken from the NWCG website at http://www.nwcg.gov/pms/comps-behaviors/310-1-page-6.pdf.

• Competency—a broad description that groups core behaviors necessary to perform a specific function
• Behavior—a general description of an observable activity that is a logical and necessary action in the performance of a behavior; how the behavior is demonstrated or performed in a particular context
• Task—a specific description of a unit of work activity that is a logical and necessary action in the performance of a behavior; how the behavior is demonstrated or performed in a particular context

As you further your leadership development and mentor others, there may be times when identifying competencies may be helpful (completing your individual development plan, etc.). Members of the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) and the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) identified and compiled core competencies and behaviors for each ICS position identified in the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and in the National Interagency Incident Management System Wildland Fire Qualification System Guide (PMS 310-1).

For specific leadership competencies related to ICS positions, visit http://www.nwcg.gov/pms/taskbook/taskbook.htm and select the proper category and position.

As not all positions contain leadership competencies, experts from Central Michigan University authored "A Leadership Competency Model: Describing the Capacity to Lead." Not only do the authors present core competencies but also provide examples of excellent and poor leadership behaviors. The report and "Steps to Becoming a Better Leader" can be found at http://www.chsbs.cmich.edu/leader_model/.