{"id":24244,"date":"2013-11-11T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2013-11-11T05:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/demo.wwwebdesignstudios.com\/client05\/getting-specific-behavioral-descriptors\/"},"modified":"2026-04-17T19:08:06","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T23:08:06","slug":"getting-specific-behavioral-descriptors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/demo.wwwebdesignstudios.com\/client05\/getting-specific-behavioral-descriptors\/","title":{"rendered":"Getting Specific with Behavioral Descriptors"},"content":{"rendered":"[fusion_builder_container type=”flex” hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” border_style=”solid”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_repeat=”no-repeat” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” center_content=”no” last=”no” hover_type=”none” min_height=”” link=””][fusion_text]\n

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If you’ve ever used or researched competency models, you probably know that their value is essentially measured with regard to their behavioral descriptors. In other words, the more accurate the descriptors to the roles, functions, objectives and culture, the more value the model has for the organization.<\/p>\n

Although these indicators can certainly be \u2013 and often times are \u2013 adapted from a generic competency dictionary, it\u2019s important to remember that when a job role requires specific abilities, then behavioral descriptors must also be highly customized for the model to have any bearing to the recruiting, retention, management and success processes.<\/p>\n

Identifying a superior performer within a specific role<\/b><\/h2>\n

Behavioral descriptors indicate patterns considered to be contributory to superior performance in a given job role. As such, a competency\u2019s definition represents an ability or trait, while the behavioral descriptor indicates the way in which that ability or trait is demonstrated.<\/p>\n

For example, let\u2019s say your organization is looking to fill a sales role. In that environment, the competency named \u201cinterpersonal awareness\u201d is therefore of great relevance. This is defined as having the ability to notice, interpret, and address customer concerns and feelings. Behavioral indicators for this type of competency that make the most hypothetical <\/i>sense would include:<\/p>\n