Leadership competency framework
A structured approach to identifying and developing the competencies that drive effective leadership in your organization.
Why a leadership competency framework matters
Shared language
When leadership expectations are defined through competencies, HR and leaders operate from the same playbook. Development decisions become more consistent. Conversations become less subjective.
Focused development
Leaders can get lost in a “maze of competencies.” A structured framework helps prioritize the ones most useful for a leader’s situation — rather than trying to develop everything at once.
Behavioral agility
No single leadership style works everywhere. The right framework helps leaders recognize their natural preferences and build the agility to adapt behaviors to different teams, challenges, and changing environments.
Strategic alignment
Development lands better when it reflects real organizational needs. A well‑designed framework accounts for role demands, organizational goals, and culture, ensuring leadership growth aligns with what the business actually requires.
Trusted by global HR leaders
The five leadership orientations
The framework organizes leadership into five interdependent orientations, each building on the others to support a complete picture of leadership effectiveness.
1) Leading Self - Understanding and managing your own thoughts, motivations, emotions, and behaviors — the foundation every other leadership competency builds on.
2) Leading People - Building strong relationships and collaboration toward shared goals — the interpersonal competencies that drive trust, engagement, and team effectiveness.
3) Leading Execution - Turning plans into results through accountability, structure, and data‑informed decision‑making.
4) Leading Change - Navigating organizational shifts and uncertainty with resilience, adaptability, and decisive action.
5) Leading Growth - Taking a strategic approach to innovation, influence, and long‑term value creation for the organization.
Get the Leadership Excellence Framework
Download the framework to define, prioritize, and apply the leadership competencies that matter most for your leaders and your organization.
