Model Components
Roles
Roles are groupings of targeted competencies. An individual’s job may encompass one or more roles, similar to different "hats" that one might have to wear. Roles should not be interpreted as "titles."
At the top of the competency model are four roles, or lenses through which WLP practitioners may view the model:
- learning strategist
- business partner
- project manager
- professional specialist
A WLP professional may play one or more roles in his or her job.
Areas of Expertise (AOEs)
AOEs are the specialized knowledge/skills an individual needs to perform in a learning and performance role. An individual may need expertise in one or more areas.
As part of the 2004 initiative to build a competency model for learning and performance professionals, ASTD identified nine areas of expertise, deemed critical for workplace learning and performance (WLP) professionals:
- career planning and talent management
- coaching
- delivering training
- designing learning
- facilitating organizational change
- improving human performance
- managing the learning function
- managing organizational knowledge
- measuring and evaluating
Foundational Competencies
Foundational competencies define relevant behaviors for learning and performance professionals.
The ASTD Competency Model presented the idea of foundational competencies. These foundational competencies are categorized as follows:
Interpersonal: how well you work with, manage, and influence people, policy, and change.
Business and Management: how well you analyze situations, make decisions, and implement solutions.
Personal: how well you adapt to change and make personal decisions to enhance your career.
It is essential that WLP professionals fortify this foundation by keeping in touch with resources that build and refresh these skill sets.
