ABSTRACT
Supervision may be defined based on the competencies demonstrated by successful supervisors. Competency refers to a profile or description of the ideal job performer and is thus distinct from a job description that focuses on work duties or activities. This chapter focuses on developing managers' leadership skills, specifically on behaviors that contribute to superior performance. The term “competency” has been generally used with no complete understanding of its meaning or the framework in which it was used. In the framework of business, management, education, or organization development, the term competency describes a measure of a person's proficiency, such as skills, behavior, knowledge, abilities, or attitudes alongside a set of guidelines and established standards. At the individual and organizational levels, competencies play a significant role in ensuring optimal performance. A competency-based approach will give managers the tools needed to identify high-performers.
