What is Leadership Competency Development

Breaking down the broad concept of leadership into competencies can facilitate leaders becoming self-aware of education or development needs to increase their performance. Leadership competencies can be viewed in terms of workplace success as skills that can be developed (Lombardo & Eichinger, 2002; Northouse, 2015). Competencies help organizations set clear expectations about the types of behaviors, capabilities, mind-sets, and values that are important to those in leadership roles” (Conger and Ready, 2004, p. 43). This chapter provides an overview and introduction to competency models. It includes a description of adult learning theories applicable for competency development and effective andragogy (adult education). Included are criticisms regarding leadership competency models. The chapter also includes an example of an innovative leadership competency development approach. The chapter will close with a discussion and recommendations for future research.