By Evans Tu (President & CEO, SYNNEX Group)
When it comes to competence, most people think of one's professional knowledge in a particular domain. Therefore, we tend to develop and enhance our competence by focusing on continuously acquiring and improving professional knowledge. However, two persons with similar professional background hardly produce the same results and performance when they take on the same task. Sometimes, a person with a lower level of professionalism generates a better performance. Why is that?
By carefully analyzing the meaning of "competence," we find that it comprises three components. In addition to "professional knowledge", it contains the means and experience of getting things done (i.e., "execution"), and the ability to engage in learning and self-reflection (i.e., "learning ability"). These three components collectively shape the fundamental qualifications that one must possess in order to get things done and enhance his/her competence constantly.
The extent of "execution" is rather broad and delicate. First, we have to prioritize different tasks and proceed in a step-by-step orderly way. Secondly, communication skills and techniques are essential since there is always the need to communicate and negotiate with others when carrying out things. Thirdly, a team approach is generally the best way to achieve goals. In organizations, things are seldom done by one individual single-handedly. We must learn the techniques to disseminate our ideas, organize a team to work together and "bring about" the results. In addition, in the management of a team, the human factor is crucial to success. We have to understand human behavior and personality traits. These all belong to the realm of "execution".
As for learning ability, it is not only the key to expertise and execution, but also the foundation of personal competence. It involves many aspects, including the individual's aspiration and determination in learning, and his/her understanding about the right learning methods. People tend to ignore the importance of constant self-reflection and assessment. It is an indispensable part of personal competence. If we don't constantly examine and evaluate ourselves, the learning effect will be greatly reduced.
One should balance the development of his/her competence in terms of professional knowledge, execution, and learning ability and should not emphasize any one of them at the expense of the others. Some people may appear impressive when discoursing on a certain professional field, but when it comes to execution, they are unable to accomplish anything. What they do is just building castles in the air. It is worthless if they cannot apply their expertise and generate good results.
On the other hand, good judgment comes from professional knowledge. If one is good at execution but short of professional knowledge, things will be directed in the wrong direction. Perhaps one does the right thing and finishes it, but it is not done "right". This will not generate any good effect, either.
Professional knowledge, execution, and learning ability are the three integral parts of competence. One must possess all of them to become a competent person: learning ability is the basis of competence; professional knowledge helps to make the right decision and avoid wrong judgment; strong execution creates superior results and values. People can strengthen their competence only by a balanced development of these three elements.