Write Behavioral Statements

Principle: Competency language must describe observable work, not admired identity. The Move Use this structure: When [context], the person [action], so that [quality or outcome]. Keep adjectives out unless they are backed by evidence. Why It Works Behavioral statements reduce rater drift. They also make development actionable because the employee can practice a behavior, not a personality label. Practice Lens If two managers cannot name the same evidence for a competency, the statement is not specific enough.

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