August 1, 2011

Greetings HRMA Members,

Core Competencies Are Critical to Organizational Success

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) published an online article Identifying and Leveraging Employee Competencies on December 14, 2010. The article defines competencies as "specific employee behaviors that are correlated with job performance, can be measured, and can be strategically leveraged throughout multiple human resources and related systems within a company to improve the organization's overall performance." Core competencies can create an organization's competitive advantage in the marketplace.

A competency capability is defined as "core" if it assists to differentiate an organization strategically. Many organizations define leadership, management, supervisory, and/or global core competencies that help set them apart from their competitors. The article suggests that competencies are important for organizations to establish in order to provide direction; must be measureable; can be learned; should distinguish and differentiate the organization; must be integrated into management practices; should focus on more behavior than results; cannot be too generic; should link to the organizations key focus areas; must align with current and future organizational strategy; and expectations must be in sync with senior management team's beliefs and values.

In my opinion, organizations should consider three major core competencies in an effort to remain in business long term. The first is performance excellence. The second is service as a change agent. And finally, the third is modeling and encouraging lifelong learning in organizations. Regardless of the business you engage in, these core competencies are necessary to remain competitive in the global economy; retain a competitive edge by focusing on the changing needs of the customers; and keep current on the advances of technology in any organization.

What are your company's core competencies? Are these competencies a part of your human resource strategies? Are they visible in your recruitment for positions? Are they a part of your behavioral interviewing process? Are they identified in your new employee orientations, leadership training, and employee and organizational development programs? Are they highlighted and discussed as a part of your performance appraisal process? These suggested core competencies highlight just a few opportunities to ensure that your organization's core competencies are expected of all employees working for your company.

To read more details regarding core competencies, SHRM members may visit this article at www.shrm.org.

Friend HRMA of NM on Facebook

Mike Brown, Vice President of Communications, and his communication team continue to communicate with interested parties via HRMA's Facebook, friend us today!

HRMA's talented board members are featured in a couple of publications that are posted now for your review via Facebook. Most recently, HRMA's Vice President of Legislative Affairs, Whitney Warner, published an article titled "Plaintiff's Lawyer Reveals: Mistakes that Make My Day." This article is featured in the July HR Daily Advisor as Today's HR Daily Advisor Tip. You may view this information via Facebook. In addition, HRMA's Vice President of Professional Development, Jose Sanchez, was highlighted in the July 2011 edition of Albuquerque The Magazine providing financial advice entitled, "Spending Time, Not Money." Kudos to both for the recognition of professional advice you provide to the community, outstanding work.

Aligning Forces for Quality

Patricia Montoya, MPA, BSN, Project Director, New Mexico Medical Review Association, will be discussing Aligning Forces for Quality Healthcare in New Mexico at the next HRMA membership luncheon. Join us on Tuesday, August 16, 2011, at 11:30 am - 1:00 pm, at the Embassy Suites Hotel. Aligning Forces for Quality is an initiative of the Albuquerque Coalition for Healthcare Quality and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. This initiative aims to bring together those who get care, give care, and pay for care to improve the quality of healthcare in Albuquerque. Learn more about how HR professional voices can be heard on this significant issue impacting local organizations today by registering online today at www.hrmanm.org . Hope to see you there.

Have a great August preparing to start a new school year for many! Learning is a gift, let's enjoy the opportunity.

Denise Montoya, MA, SPHR

President, Human Resources Management Association of New Mexico