There are many leadership competency models. Many of them have lists of competencies that number close to 100. I find lists that long not useful in my work as a search consultant and an executive coach. I think it is important to distill competencies down to the critical few. This was the goal when Dr. Andy Garman and I wrote our book in 2006. Our model presented only 16 critical leadership competencies that we felt were hallmarks of highly effective leaders.

The 16 Competencies fit within four cornerstones – Well-Cultivated Self Awareness; Compelling Vision; Real Way With People; Masterful Execution. Exceptional leaders are strong in these areas. The 16 competencies fit within the Four Cornerstones as follows:

Well-Cultivated Self Awareness

Living by Personal Conviction
Possessing Emotional Intelligence

Compelling Vision

Being Visionary
Communicating Vision
Earning Loyalty and Trust

Real Way With People

Listening Like You Mean It
Giving Feedback
Mentoring Others
Developing Teams
Energizing Staff

Masterful Execution

Generating Informal Power
Building Consensus
Making Decisions
Driving Results
Stimulating Creativity
Cultivating Adaptability

Competencies provided from Exceptional Leadership: 16 Critical Competencies for Healthcare Executives, Carson F. Dye & Andrew N. Garman, Health Administration Press, 2006