What exactly is meant by social and organisational networking competences?
This competence category refers to all of a person's abilities to deal with the social and organizational environment and to move safely within it. We are therefore talking here about so-called "ME-WO" competencies. As the exercise of competence always also relates to other people. Very important: The term social is explicitly understood here as neutral and has nothing to do with particular friendliness or empathy.
If you have already completed the first step of the skillaware competence compass, you will have encountered the following social skills:
- Interdisciplinarity
- Multiculturalism
- Ability to tailor communication to the recipient
- Ability to work in a team
How can the four competencies be described in more detail?
In addition to a pure definition of competencies, there are also so-called action anchors that can be assigned to competencies. In reality, they help us to determine whether someone is good or less good at a competence . This is because, unlike knowledge, competencies are visible in a person's actual actions. We can test this through observation by comparing the action anchors with a person's demonstrated behavior.
Table with competence definitions and action anchors
The table defines competence at a higher level and shows which behaviors a person will exhibit when competence has already become second nature to him or her.
Tips and tricks for your Competence training
Did you know that you don't necessarily have to attend formal training or courses to develop your skills? You can train almost all interdisciplinary skills on your own. Just 5-10 minutes a day is usually enough. Curious? Then here are our training tips that can be easily and practically integrated into your everyday (professional) life:
Interdisciplinarity
Tip 1: This comes from team learning. Suggest that people from different departments or with different areas of activity tell what they pay particular attention to in their area. This can either be shared openly in a meeting or (also anonymously) on the intranet.
Tip 2: Get into the habit of always briefly checking your tasks and objectives with parties from other specialist areas. Book a time slot for this. This will save you time and nerves in the long term.
Multiculturalism
Tip 1: Reality check: Count how many prejudices have automatically popped into your head over the last few weeks that have subsequently turned out to be completely wrong. Be it in a professional or private context.
Tip 2: Even if it sounds banal: But do watch documentaries about other countries or cultures from time to time. This generally helps to create an inner understanding that our way of life is just one of many. You can find a large selection on YouTube.
Ability to tailor communication to the recipient
Tip 1: Choose 2-3 people from your immediate environment. Perhaps your partner, your child and a friend and try to describe briefly and clearly to them what exactly you do at work and what role you play there.
Tip 2: Establish an e-mail check. Before you write an e-mail, try to make a very brief overview. And answer the following questions: What is the aim of my email? Who are the recipients? What do they really need to know and what information could be unnecessarily confusing and even stand in the way of achieving the goal? Once you have answered these questions, you can compose, check and send the email.
Ability to work in a team
Tip: If you find yourself in a situation where you have the feeling that you have a precise execution plan and a clear preference, consciously take a step back. And actively communicate with your team or, if you are practising this at home, with your family.