Employee Self-Assessment

Questionnaire

Core Competencies

The Corporate Services Community

ENVIRONMENT CANADA

Revision Date: August 8, 2001

 Employee Self -Assessment Questionnaire

1. Completing the Self-Assessment Questionnaire

The Core Competencies self-assessment questionnaire has been developed to help you perform a
self-assessment of your current competencies against important, critical competencies needed by
the Corporate Services Community to respond to current and future challenges envisaged for
your business role. The results are intended to serve as guidelines for developing your personal
learning plan. When you have completed the self- assessment questionnaire, you need to discuss
your assessment with your supervisor to get their feedback. The feedback will help you acquire a
better awareness of what is needed to be more successful in your job. The self-assessment
questionnaire is an opportunity to assess your personal strengths and developmental
opportunities and establish a personal learning plan to meet your needs.

Step to follow:

STEP 1: Read the competency definition and each of the proficiency degrees.

STEP 2: Identify the highest proficiency degree that best describes the behaviours you
currently demonstrate in your job, i.e. the highest proficiency degree that you
regularly demonstrate, and that applies to your level of responsibility. If you think
you demonstrate the behavioural statements under that proficiency degree, check
(ü) the Yes I have Attained column. Provide examples of what you have done to
support the level you have attained.

STEP 3: If you have not “attained” the proficiency degree indicated and cannot think of
examples that would demonstrate the behaviours identified or you only
occasionally demonstrate these behaviours, check (ü ) the I need to Develop
column. A checkmark in this column can also indicate behaviours that you may
wish to develop to progress in your job. Provide reasons why you have not
developed this behaviour.
 Employee Self -Assessment Questionnaire

1. Teamwork
Working collaboratively with others to achieve common goals.

Degrees Behaviours Yes I have I need to

Attained Develop
1 Understanding the Value of Teamwork
Is able to explain the value of working collaboratively with
others. Can articulate own role and role of others in the
team, and the contributions to be made. Values the benefits
and synergies of communicating and working
cooperatively. Supports team decisions. Does fair share of
work.
2 Participating as a Team Member
Operates as a team member. Participates fully, sharing
knowledge and expertise. Willingly takes on additional
responsibilities to achieve team objectives. Makes
appropriate contact to acquire the right information. Values
input of others. Keeps other team members informed and up
to date. Is willing to learn from others.
3 Bringing Others Together
Brings together as a team key individuals with strengths to
achieve objectives or solve problems. Takes initiative in
leadership role in area of expertise. Capitalizes on
individual strengths of team members. Defines for others
how the team objectives fit in with the Organization vision
and goals. Acknowledges diverse opinions amongst team
members. Works towards consensual solutions. Finds ways
to collaborate and exchange ideas. Helps to work through
group conflicts.
4 Enhancing Team Effectiveness
Encourages members of a team to contribute to a process.
Enhances the cohesion of the team. Recognizes individuals
and teams who have performed well. Protects and promotes
the team’s reputation. Identifies strengths and weaknesses in
team and makes necessary adjustments. Shares
responsibility for achievement of team objectives. Creates
an environment that builds diversity and supports multiple
perspectives.
Degrees Behaviours Yes I have I need to
Attained Develop
5 Ensuring Alignment
Promotes alignment of team objectives and priorities to the
Organization’s and Department’s mission, goals and values.
Is supportive of the wider organization. Secures
commitment of others on the team to objectives to be
achieved. Ensures appropriate linkage/partnerships are
established and maintained.

Provide examples of what you have done to support the behaviours in the degree you have
attained.

Provide reasons why you have not developed the behaviours in the following degree listed.
2. Results Orientation
Understanding expectations and knowing how to deliver timely, relevant, complete, accurate and
useful services, other products and reports to both internal and external clients.

Degrees Behaviours Yes I have I need to

Attained Develop
1 Working to Results
Works independently to perform own duties. Undertakes
tasks needed to accomplish work objectives. Strives to meet
work expectations and standards. Clarifies work
expectations. Delivers quality, consistent and timely results.
Informs those who need to know of problems as they arise.
Acts resourcefully in response to work demands.
2 Managing Job Expectations
Achieves established expectations through personal
commitment. Sets realistic expectations with clients,
determining what can and cannot be done and why. Raises
issues and proposes courses of actions to improve situation
or overcome obstacles. Consults with others and superiors
about problems and solutions. Anticipates delays and
potential problems when scheduling work, and adjusts
timeframes accordingly. Sets goals and establishes
priorities. Examines tasks and procedures to see which ones
really need to be carried out and eliminates those that are
unnecessary.
3 Planning for Action
Commits to role and responsibilities of assigned projects.
Finds creative ways and identifies various options to
achieve results. Identifies critical tasks and deliverables, and
obtains or organizes necessary resources and support to
achieve objectives. Remains accountable throughout project
and delivers on commitments. Reassesses priorities and
performance measurement of results and takes action to
restate and shift resources to achieve results.
4 Having a Strategic Overlook
Looks ahead to anticipate and prepare for short term and
long-term opportunities or problems. Sees the big picture by
continually scanning the environment to ensure current
focus is in line with changing conditions and directions.
Implements plans to avo id potential crises or to create new
opportunities. Strives to make Organization as effective as it
can be. Consistently measures efficiency of programs and
services, and monitors against set performance indicators.
Redesigns and restructures processes, procedures, programs
accordingly. Continually seeks feedback on products,
programs or services to improve service delivery. Shares
and communicates ways to improve performance to others.
Provide examples of what you have done to support the behaviours in the degree you have
attained.

Provide reasons why you have not developed the behaviours in the following degree listed.
3. Client Service (Internal and External Clients
Understanding and anticipating a multitude of client needs while managing expectations and
responding with appropriate, realistic and helpful solutions.

Degrees Behaviours Yes I have I need to

Attained Develop
1 Understanding Service Role
Can clearly describe own role as service provider and what
client expectation of service entails. Demonstrates an
awareness of who their clients are. Actively seeks input
from clients regarding their needs, expectations and
environment. Responds to client needs with timely and
courteous assistance in a consistent and fair manner.
Balances client needs with own role of stewardship of
public monies.
2 Consistently Meeting Client Needs
Follows through on client enquires and requests. Keeps
clients up to date about progress and issues. Helps clients
clearly define their requirements. Seeks ways and means to
deliver services more efficiently and effectively while
maintaining standards. Matches client needs to available
services. Provides realistic expectations to client, sharing
what can and cannot be done and why. Reconciles
competing client needs by clearly identifying priorities and
executing around these.
3 Anticipating Changing Needs
Goes beyond client expectations by anticipating their needs.
Solicits feedback on services, programs and products
delivered by the Organization. Seeks to improve systems,
processes and procedures to better meet client needs. Takes
responsibility for correcting client problems. Invites clients
to participate in and contribute to decisions that are relevant
to their needs. Implements quality manage ment approaches
and sets standards to increase work quality and timeliness.
4 Creating Partnerships
Forms partnering relationships with clients to create
programs, policies that are based on in-depth knowledge of
the client’s long-term business needs. Shares in risks
associated with new ventures and support integrated service
delivery. Seeks to eliminate excess bureaucracy. Views
services and programs from a global perspective with
worldwide standards as the benchmark for quality.
Promotes, recognizes and rewards exceptional service
behaviours and quality standards throughout Organization.
Provide examples of what you have done to support the behaviours in the degree you have
attained.

Provide reasons why you have not developed the behaviours in the following degree listed.
4. Ethics and Values
Modelling and promoting core values and ethics of the organization through words and actions
with both internal and external clients. Demonstrating support for the organization’s va lues of
integrity and honesty, professionalism, respect and cooperation.
This competency includes the following 4 elements:
• To uphold the ethical and social norms of the organization (Integrity & Honesty)
• To strive for the highest standards of achievement (Professionalism)
• To be sensitive and responsive to others (Respect)
• To work with others towards a common goal (Cooperation)

Degrees Behaviours Yes I have I need to

Attained Develop
1 Adhering
Understands and consistently applies ethics and values of
the Organization in daily work. Recognizes and respects
different values in others and works to find common ground
when values conflict. Acts in the public interest by ensuring
public trust is not violated. Monitors and modifies own
behaviour regarding prejudices or personal bias.
2 Promoting
Promotes the values of the Organization. Influences others
by helping them understand the importance of the values
and ethical norms by setting an example and by guiding
others. Ensures consistent understanding by staff of the
values and ethics of the Organization. Recognizes the
practices that support Organizational ethics and values.
Instils integrity in others.
3 Advocating
Takes and stands by decisions that are consistent with the
values of the Organization when faced with challenging
circumstances. Mediates conflicts and disputes. Questions
unethical behaviours and takes appropriate action to address
these. Seeks to influence and change these through
discussion and consensus.

Provide examples of what you ha ve done to support the behaviours in the degree you have
attained.
Provide reasons why you have not developed the behaviours in the following degree listed.
5. Managing Change
Instilling, implementing and dealing with change, cha llenges and ambiguity while also balancing
the need for change with the need for continuity.

Degrees Behaviours Yes I have I need to

Attained Develop
1 Recognizing Need to Change
Analyzes and assesses the need for change. Looks for ways
to improve work methods, processes and procedures in
immediate work environment. Proposes and tries new ways
of doing things. Takes changing priorities and new
developments in stride even in face of ambiguity. Adjusts
behaviour to meet changing demands of the workplace.
2 Helping and Informing Others
Seeks information on change by consulting others and
obtaining departmental information. Stays current with
changes within the organization in order to better
understand the environment. Helps others overcome their
resistance to change by explaining the rationale and benefits
behind the change.
3 Promoting Change
Analyzes options for new ways of working and improving
results. Questions and challenges conventional approaches.
Sponsors new initiatives. Communicates a clear picture of
what changes are needed, what they mean and what are
their benefits. Assesses own ideas to improve their quality
and viability.
4 Managing the Change Process
Actively works with others to implement and manage the
change process. Gains support of others. Obtains resources
and initiates processes needed to carry out change. Seeks
ideas from other environments and adapts them in own
environment. Balances the need for change with the need
for continuity to avoid creating chaotic situations. Develops
or adjusts organizational systems to facilitate the transition.
5 Championing and Leading Change
Champions change and views it as an opportunity to launch
new initiatives, or to improve program delivery. Sets goals
and creates an environment that enco urages and anticipates
change and supports innovation. Builds confidence in and
outside the organization in the Organization and the
Department’s ability to successfully implement change.
Treats failed ideas as learning and growth experiences
contributing to progress.
Provide examples of what you have done to support the behaviours in the degree you have
attained.

Provide reasons why you have not developed the behaviours in the following degree listed.
6. Problem Solving
Analyzing issues and problems systematically and thoroughly. Focusing on critical details while
maintaining a broad perspective. Developing and implementing practical options/solutions while
anticipating future problems.

Degrees Behaviours Yes I have I need to

Attained Develop
1 Having Broader Perspectives
Recognizes and takes steps to solve basic problems.
Consults others and gathers information as necessary to
identify solutions to problems. Can view problems from
different perspectives. Determines a best course of action to
resolve problem in area of expertise. Advises supervisor
when problems cannot be resolved by own effort.
2 Looking at Different Options
Analyzes unusual situations. Digs for information to
determine root causes of problems. Considers a variety of
perspectives to recommend feasible solutions. Combines
elements of different solutions to enhance their possibilities
of acceptance. Takes most appropriate action in area of
expertise considering the broader context of the
Organization. Keeps supervisor informed of problems.
3 Importing Solutions
Anticipates impacts and recognizes patterns and connection
between events. Uses experience and basic rules to identify
key underlying issues. Modifies and applies concepts, ideas,
or solutions that have been used in other environments that
are new and imaginative, but support organizational goals
and objectives. Involves experts from inside and/or outside
Environment Canada.
4 Integrating Approaches into Complete Solution
Diagnoses complex problems. Gathers and integrates
relevant information from many perspectives and
disciplines to understand multi- faceted problems. Considers
linkages among all parts of the problem and assesses
impacts and risks of possible solutions. Generates and tests
intuitions which may explain complex situations or
problems. Integrates relevant approaches into a complete
solution.
5 Creating New Concept Models
Anticipates problems and obstacles that are
multidimensional, precedent setting and abstract. Develops
continge ncy plans. Grasps the meaning of trends and inter-
relationships to fully understand a situation. Uses significant
evaluative judgment. Makes trade-offs and difficult and
timely decisions even when faced with ambiguity or where
compromise or consensus is not achievable. Creates new
concepts and models.
Provide examples of what you have done to support the behaviours in the degree you have
attained.

Provide reasons why you have not developed the behaviours in the following degree listed.
7. Communication
Engaging in effective dialogue with others through committed listening, speaking, observing,
writing or delivery of presentations. Understands the true interests of people and delivers
meaningful messages.

Degrees Behaviours Yes I have I need to

Attained Develop
1 Communicating Clearly
Conveys information and ideas clearly, concisely and
logically. Listens effectively and keeps people informed.
Uses appropriate business language. Shares information.
2 Clarifying Understanding
Asks probing questions to ensure messages are clearly
understood. Presents information in a professional and
convincing manner. Is aware of non- verbal cues and
responds in ways that communicate clear understanding.
3 Reading Subtleties
“Can read between the lines.” Differentiates between overt
and subtle messages. Conveys an understanding of key
points being communicated. Strives to build consensus
when confronted with differences. Acquires information
and opens dialogue through effective facilitation to
determine needs, interests and expectations of various
groups.
4 Adapting Message to Audience
Communicates complex or simple messages with clarity
and impact to widely varied forums. Adjusts tone and the
language to suit the situation or the audience. Provides
answers which reflect an awareness of the sensitivities and
interests of the audience. Can interpret contradictory or
competing messages.
5 Communicating for Business Results
Clearly explains and articulates departmental positions in a
manner that instils commitment. Uses understanding of
others’ underlying interests, issues and motivation to gain
and sustain their support for Environment Canada initiatives
and positions.
Provide examples of what you have done to support the behaviours in the degree you have
attained.

Provide reasons why you have not developed the behaviours in the following degree listed.
8. Promotion
Creating an awareness, understanding and need among people to use the Organization’s
programs, products and services effectively to generate new business. Gaining people’s trust,
respect and appreciation for the Organization and its service providers.

Degrees Behaviours Yes I have I need to

Attained Develop
1 Projecting a Positive Image
Conveys a positive and professional image of self and the
Organization. Can describe services and programs offered
by the Organization and match client needs with current
programs and services.
2 Creating Relationships
Understands the client community. Creates and maintains
relationships with suppliers and clients that last beyond the
delivery of products and services. Keeps abreast of change
and development and shares information on an ongoing
basis. Educates clients and partners on services and
programs by providing them with information and/or
briefings. Respects client confidentiality.
3 Obtaining Buy in
Uses appropriate selling techniques to convince clients of
the effectiveness of relevant programs or services. Does
cost analysis to determine cost effect iveness of client and
Organization endeavours. Seeks feedback on quality of
programs and services.
4 Identifying Marketing Strategies
Identifies marketing strategies which targets specific client
needs. Pursues and secures new business from established
clients. Uses knowledge of Organization mandate to
develop new programs and services which are feasible,
sustainable and valuable. Looks for innovative ideas in
other environments to improve quality of programs and
services.
5 Creating Opportunities
Scans environment to anticipate business opportunities and
future needs. Develops long-term relationships and
partnerships and mutually beneficial programs as a
responsive financial and administrative service
organization. Officially and publicly promotes the
Organization/Department and influences others to utilize
and support the organization. Credits and recognizes
contributions of partners.
Provide examples of what you have done to support the behaviours in the degree you have
attained.

Provide reasons why you have not developed the behaviours in the following degree listed.
9. Leadership (unrelated to positional leadership)
Willingly takes charge. Leads by example and motivates others to do the same. Fosters creativity
and innovations, and stays focused on results to be achieved. Can integrate departmental vision
and direction into realistic plans and programs.

Degrees Behaviours Yes I have I need to

Attained Develop
1 Leading by Example
Leads by example in own work. Improves own performance
resulting in continuous learning and the development of
self. Contributes to the effective performance of own work
unit by carrying out job duties responsibly and
professionally. Takes initiatives to motivate and lead others
in daily work by suggesting and contributing to ideas and
directions.
2 Going Beyond
Analyzes internal and external work environment in area of
expertise, gathers and tests information to develop programs
or services on the leading edge. Lets people affected by
decision know what is happening and explains reasons for a
decision. Supports the inclusiveness and accommodation of
others’ differences in the workplace.
3 Positioning Self as the Leader
Ensures that others buy into the team’s mission, goals,
agenda and policy. Is supportive of the wider organization
and aligns objectives and priorities accordingly. Ensures
that team tasks are completed. Uses authority and power in
a fair and equitable manner. Makes sure that practical needs
of team are met.
4 Developing Compelling Vision
Works with individuals and groups internally and/or
externally to shape, articulate and guide long-term vision of
Organization. Communicates a compelling vision that
generates excitement, enthusiasm and commitment to the
Organization’s mission. Inspires others to change and
develop. Communicates team successes and promotes their
work organization wide. Ensures that the appropriate
linkages and partnerships are established. Arouses in others
a strong desire to succeed.
Provide examples of what you have done to support the behaviours in the degree you have
attained.

Provide reasons why you have not developed the behaviours in the following degree listed.
10. Risk Assessment and Management
Evaluating the potential benefits and consequences of a new endeavour. Willingness to pursue
new opportunities that can benefit the Organization and supporting others when they take
calculated risk, regardless if it succeeds or fails. Learning from the experience.

Degrees Behaviours Yes I have I need to

Attained Develop
1 Recognizing Risk
Identifies possibility that risk exists in proposed course of
action or opportunities. Is prepared to get involved in
situations that include recognizable risks.
2 Assessing Risk
Assesses and analyzes the potential benefits and
consequences of risk at hand and opportunity cost for not
taking risks. Considers all factors and alternatives available
to minimize negative consequences of risk. Seeks other’s
perspective who have experienced similar situation to fully
understand all components of the risk. Knows when it is
appropriate to take the decision to the accountable party.
Informs clients of risk and potential consequences. Learns
from experience of taking risk.
3 Implementing and Mitigating Risk
Implements well reasoned, and risky initiatives. Promotes
and supports initiatives that contain real risk elements.
Implements new ideas that are likely to add value but may
not work out. Ensures management understands and
supports the risk being taken. Develops contingency plans
to address possible negative outcomes.
4 Monitoring Risk
Implements monitoring strategies. Monitors and evaluates
risk initiatives and communicates progress to stakeholders.
Manages the condition for new initiatives and problem
solving. Stimulates and facilitates individual and teamwork
to support innovation. Recognizes individuals who have the
courage to take risks.
5 Managing Risk
Champions initiatives with significant potential benefits and
noticeable adverse consequences where justified, based on
strategic objectives of the Organization and a reasonable
assessment of impacts. Assists management in developing a
risk management framework that enables them to make
informed decisions. Shares the risk with senior clients.
Celebrates successes.
Provide examples of what you have done to support the behaviours in the degree you have
attained.

Provide reasons why you have not developed the behaviours in the following degree listed.