ATF LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

1. PURPOSE. This order identifies and defines the leadership or non-technical competencies that first-line supervisors, mid-level managers, and executives in the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) must have to successfully perform their jobs.

2. DISCUSSION. This order transmits three sets of generic leadership competencies: ATF First-Line Supervisor Competencies (Exhibit 1), ATF Mid-Level Manager Competencies (Exhibit 2), and ATF Executive Competencies (Exhibit 3).

a. A competency is a group of like or related knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform one or more job tasks. For example, the first competency in each exhibit is "orga 10210j98k nizational awareness." Organizational awareness involves knowledge of a number of related topics: the Bureau's mission, goals, values, strategic plan, vision, and organizational structure, to name a few. First-line supervisors, mid-level managers, and executives perform any number of tasks that require knowledge of these related topics. Organizational awareness is, therefore, a competency.

b. The competencies are "generic" because they are relevant regardless of the first-line supervisor's, mid-level manager's, or executive's job series or specific job.

c. The competencies are "leadership" competencies because they address the non-technical parts of a supervisor's, manager's, or executive's work.

d. The competency titles are the same for all three levels of management, and the competency definitions at each level of management are similar, if not always identical. This does not mean that there are no differences among the three levels of management. As one moves up the supervisory chain of command, the tasks that require a particular competency become more complex, and the consequences of performing the task well become more far reaching.

e. The competencies were identified and validated by a contractor, Human Resources Research Organization, using generally accepted, legally defensible procedures. The contractor's methodology included getting extensive input, both in person and through written surveys, from first-line supervisors, mid-level managers, and executives representing different jobs and job series.

f. The ATF leadership competencies can be used in a variety of ways.

Supervisors, managers, and executives and those who aspire to those positions can use the competencies to formulate their individual development plans.

The Office of Training and Professional Development will use the competencies to formulate the content of their leadership training and development programs.

The competencies can play a role in ATF's performance appraisal and promotion systems for supervisors, managers, and executives.

3. QUESTIONS. Questions concerning this order should be directed to the Leadership Programs Branch, 202-927-2130.

Director

Exhibit 1

A. Organizational Awareness: Knowledge of Bureau mission, goals, values, and ATF strategic plan and future vision. Knowledge of ATF directorates, offices, and their functions. Knowledge of Congressional and Presidential mandates regarding ATF programs. Knowledge of ATF directives and forms and their purposes and uses.

B. Personnel Programs, Policies and Procedures: Knowledge of the resources available from the Personnel Division. Knowledge of hiring, promotion, and placement procedures. Knowledge of personnel practices and policies pertaining to employee conduct issues, grievance, absence, leave, and alternate work schedules. Knowledge of equal employment obligations. Knowledge of ATF labor management principles and obligations under the union contract . Knowledge of Merit Promotion System processes. Knowledge of procedures governing employee appraisal and incentive awards. Knowledge of employee rights and responsibilities in Office of Inspection integrity investigations. Knowledge of functions and responsibilities of the Employee Assistance Program, Peer Support Program, and the Professional Review Board.

C. Resources Management: Knowledge of appropriate expenditure and reporting procedures of Government funds (e.g., office supplies, Government credit card); ability to prioritize resources (e.g., funds, equipment); and knowledge of basic budgeting, acquisition, and contracting procedures. Knowledge of management and internal controls and procedures utilized to reduce the potential for waste, fraud, and abuse (e.g., OMB Circular A-123). Knowledge of the Government Performance and Results Act.

D. Technology Competence: Knowledge of how the use of technology can improve work processes. Knowledge of standard ATF software applications (e.g., word processing, email, time and attendance software).

E. Communicate in Writing: Involves adapting the wording and style of written material to the intended audience and purpose; communicating in writing using proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling; and presenting ideas logically and concisely in writing.

F. Communicate Orally: Involves listening to and comprehending verbal communication from others; preparing oral presentations; expressing facts and ideas in a clear and understandable manner; and using effective nonverbal behavior during oral communications.

G. Plan, Organize and Prioritize: Involves identifying program priorities with regard to division goals and objectives; planning, organizing and prioritizing the activities of the work unit to effectively accomplish those goals and objectives; and delegating activities to others. Also involves managing multiple activities simultaneously to complete all within prescribed times.

H. Teamwork and Collaboration: Involves negotiating and collaborating for mutually acceptable solutions and persuading others through sound logic and reasoning.

I. Relate to Others: Involves considering and responding appropriately to the needs, feelings, and capabilities of different people in different situations; being tactful, compassionate, and sensitive; treating others with respect; and valuing cultural diversity and other individual differences in the workforce. Also involves ensuring that employees are treated in a fair and equitable manner.

J. Judgment and Problem Solving: Involves identifying and evaluating information; distinguishing between relevant and irrelevant information to make logical decisions; recognizing when sufficient information has been obtained to make decisions; perceiving the impact and implications of decisions; and recommending solutions, even when those solutions produce unpleasant consequences.

K. Decisiveness: Involves recognizing when action is required and making decisions without undue delay.

L. Self Management: Involves assessing own skills and abilities; identifying needs for improvement; willingly accepting constructive feedback; and seeking developmental opportunities. Also involves working independently; managing own time effectively; being persistent in meeting commitments; remaining calm and focused in stressful situations; and being accountable for own actions and behaviors.

M. Lead Others: Involves earning and showing trust and confidence; inspiring, motivating, and guiding others toward goal accomplishments; and applying situational leadership techniques.

N. Innovative: Involves generating and/or recognizing imaginative and original solutions that are practical in work related situations.

O. Integrity and Ethics: Involves demonstrating behavior consistent with the Department of the Treasury and ATF standards of conduct; being honest; and valuing truth.

P. Coaching and Development: Involves assessing the talents, capabilities, and work styles of others; establishing clear performance standards; serving as a mentor; and providing candid and timely feedback.

Q. Technical Competence: Involves applying technical knowledge to accomplish tasks; maintaining technical competence appropriate to required level of expertise; and knowing current developments related to your technical field.

Exhibit 2

A. Organizational Awareness: Knowledge of Bureau mission, goals, values, and ATF strategic plan and future vision. Knowledge of ATF directorates, offices, and their functions. Knowledge of Congressional and Presidential mandates regarding ATF programs. Knowledge of ATF directives and forms and their purposes and uses.

B. Personnel Programs, Policies and Procedures: Knowledge of the resources available from the Personnel Division. Knowledge of hiring, promotion, and placement procedures. Knowledge of personnel practices and policies pertaining to employee conduct issues, grievance, absence, leave, and alternate work schedules. Knowledge of equal employment obligations. Knowledge of ATF labor management principles and obligations under the union contract . Knowledge of Merit Promotion System processes. Knowledge of procedures governing employee appraisal and incentive awards. Knowledge of employee rights and responsibilities in Office of Inspection integrity investigations. Knowledge of functions and responsibilities of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Program, Employee Assistance Program, Ombudsman Program, Peer Support Program, and the Professional Review Board.

C. Resources Management: Knowledge of appropriate expenditure and reporting procedures of Government funds (e.g., office supplies, Government credit card); ability to prioritize resources (e.g., funds, equipment); and knowledge of basic budgeting, acquisition, and contracting procedures. Knowledge of the appropriate procedures and laws for obligating and expending funds and the procedures for entering into interagency agreements. Knowledge of management and internal controls and procedures utilized to reduce the potential for waste, fraud, and abuse (e.g., OMB Circular A-123). Knowledge of the Government Performance and Results Act.

D. Technology Competence: Knowledge of how the use of technology can improve work processes. Knowledge of standard ATF software applications (e.g., word processing, email, time and attendance software).

E. Communicate in Writing: Involves adapting the wording and style of written material to the intended audience and purpose; communicating in writing using proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling; and presenting ideas logically and concisely in writing.

F. Communicate Orally: Involves listening to and comprehending verbal communication from others; preparing oral presentations; expressing facts and ideas in a clear and understandable manner; and using effective nonverbal behavior during oral communications.

G. Plan, Organize and Prioritize: Involves identifying program priorities with regard to Bureau goals and developing plans and setting division level objectives while considering resources and demands within and outside of ATF. Also involves organizing and staffing multiple work units; prioritizing their activities to effectively accomplish these goals and objectives; delegating activities to others; and managing multiple activities simultaneously to complete all within prescribed times.

H. Teamwork and Collaboration: Involves negotiating and collaborating for mutually acceptable solutions and persuading others through sound logic and reasoning.

I. Relate to Others: Involves considering and responding appropriately to the needs, feelings, and capabilities of different people in different situations; being tactful, compassionate, and sensitive; treating others with respect; and valuing cultural diversity and other individual differences in the workforce. Also involves ensuring that employees are treated in a fair and equitable manner.

J. Judgment and Problem Solving: Involves identifying and evaluating information; distinguishing between relevant and irrelevant information to make logical decisions; recognizing when sufficient information has been obtained to make decisions; perceiving the impact and implications of decisions; and recommending solutions, even when those solutions produce unpleasant consequences.

K. Decisiveness: Involves recognizing when action is required and making decisions without undue delay.

L. Self Management: Involves assessing own skills and abilities; identifying needs for improvement; willingly accepting constructive feedback; and seeking developmental opportunities. Also involves working independently; managing own time effectively; being persistent in meeting commitments; remaining calm and focused in stressful situations; and being accountable for own actions and behaviors.

M. Lead Others: Involves instilling mutual trust and confidence; inspiring, motivating, and guiding others toward goal accomplishments; and applying situational leadership techniques.

N. Innovative: Involves generating and/or recognizing imaginative and original solutions that are practical in work related situations.

O. Integrity and Ethics: Involves demonstrating behavior consistent with the Department of the Treasury and ATF standards of conduct; being honest; and valuing truth.

P. Coaching and Development: Involves assessing the talents, capabilities, and work styles of others; establishing clear performance standards; serving as a mentor; and providing candid and timely feedback.

Q. Technical Competence: Involves applying technical knowledge to accomplish tasks; maintaining technical competence appropriate to required level of expertise; and knowing current developments related to your technical field.

Exhibit 3

A. Organizational Awareness: Knowledge of Bureau mission, goals, values, and ATF strategic plan and future vision. Knowledge of ATF directorates, offices, and their functions. Knowledge of Congressional and Presidential mandates regarding ATF programs. Knowledge of ATF directives and forms and their purposes and uses. Knowledge of the Department of the Treasury goals.

B. Personnel Programs, Policies and Procedures: Knowledge of the resources available from the Personnel Division. Knowledge of hiring, promotion, and placement procedures. Knowledge of personnel practices and policies pertaining to employee conduct issues, grievance, absence, leave, and alternate work schedules. Knowledge of equal employment obligations. Knowledge of ATF labor management principles and obligations under the union contract . Knowledge of Merit Promotion System processes. Knowledge of procedures governing employee appraisal and incentive awards. Knowledge of employee rights and responsibilities in Office of Inspection integrity investigations. Knowledge of functions and responsibilities of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Program, Employee Assistance Program, Ombudsman Program, Peer Support Program, and the Professional Review Board.

C. Resources Management: Knowledge of the Federal budget process. Formulating and executing the budget in alignment with ATF strategic plan and priorities. Aligning capital investments with Bureau goals and priorities and overseeing those investments. Knowledge of appropriate expenditure and reporting procedures of Government funds (e.g., office supplies, Government credit card); ability to prioritize resources (e.g., funds, equipment); and knowledge of basic budgeting, acquisition, and contracting procedures. Knowledge of the appropriate procedures and laws for obligating and expending funds and the procedures for entering into interagency agreements. Knowledge of management and internal controls and procedures utilized to reduce the potential for waste, fraud, and abuse (e.g., OMB Circular A-123). Knowledge of the Government Performance and Results Act.

D. Technology Competence: Knowledge of how the use of technology can improve work processes. Knowledge of standard ATF software applications (e.g., word processing, email, time and attendance software).

E. Communicate in Writing: Involves adapting the wording and style of written material to the intended audience and purpose; communicating in writing using proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling; and presenting ideas logically and concisely in writing.

F. Communicate Orally: Involves listening to and comprehending verbal communication from others; preparing oral presentations; expressing facts and ideas in a clear and understandable manner; and using effective nonverbal behavior during oral communications.

G. Plan, Organize and Prioritize: Involves identifying program priorities with regard to Bureau goals and developing plans and setting Bureau level objectives while considering resources and demands within and outside of ATF. Also involves organizing and staffing multiple work units; prioritizing their activities to effectively accomplish these goals and objectives; delegating activities to others; and managing multiple activities simultaneously to complete all within prescribed times.

H. Teamwork and Collaboration: Involves negotiating and collaborating for mutually acceptable solutions and persuading others through sound logic and reasoning.

I. Relate to Others: Involves considering and responding appropriately to the needs, feelings, and capabilities of different people in different situations; being tactful, compassionate, and sensitive; treating others with respect; and valuing cultural diversity and other individual differences in the workforce. Also involves ensuring that employees are treated in a fair and equitable manner.

J. Judgment and Problem Solving: Involves identifying and evaluating information; distinguishing between relevant and irrelevant information to make logical decisions; recognizing when sufficient information has been obtained to make decisions; perceiving the impact and implications of decisions; and recommending solutions, even when those solutions produce unpleasant consequences.

K. Decisiveness: Involves recognizing when action is required and making decisions without undue delay.

L. Self Management: Involves assessing own skills and abilities; identifying needs for improvement; willingly accepting constructive feedback; and seeking developmental opportunities. Also involves working independently; managing own time effectively; being persistent in meeting commitments; remaining calm and focused in stressful situations; and being accountable for own actions and behaviors.

M. Lead Others: Involves instilling mutual trust and confidence; inspiring, motivating, and guiding others toward goal accomplishments; and applying situational leadership techniques.

N. Innovative: Involves generating and/or recognizing imaginative and original solutions that are practical in work related situations.

O. Integrity and Ethics: Involves demonstrating behavior consistent with the Department of the Treasury and ATF standards of conduct; being honest; and valuing truth.

P. Coaching and Development: Involves assessing the talents, capabilities, and work styles of others; establishing clear performance standards; serving as a mentor; and providing candid and timely feedback.

Q. Technical Competence: Involves applying technical knowledge to accomplish tasks; maintaining technical competence appropriate to required level of expertise; and knowing current developments related to your technical field.