Competency = Knowledge + Skill

By: Phil Geldart 

Knowledge and skill are equally important. As they grow, so does the individual competency. 

Knowledge is something that we acquire and store intellectually. It comes from learning or experience and it is held in our minds as a resource that we can tap into. Our knowledge provides the necessary theory, rationale and background to allow us to tackle a task and gives us the ability to make appropriate decisions regarding next steps. We design theoretical approaches based on our knowledge, which allows us to specify the outcome. Knowledge allows us to understand, analyze, plan, evaluate and measure. The greater our knowledge, the more accurate our prediction. Knowledge ensures that skills are applied in the right fashion.

Skill on the other hand is the talent we have that enables us to execute what is in our minds. Skill is our ability to “do” - it is practical, it produces results and consequences. Skills can be learned, practiced and then stored away to be called upon when required. The greater our skill level, the greater our ability is to see the objective brought to fruition. Skill allows us to achieve, create, accomplish and deliver. Conviction and passion are the spark or initiative – it is skill that sustains the effort.

If your knowledge is faulty and your skill is high, then you will go brilliantly along the wrong path. If your knowledge is high and your skill is weak, then you may go limpingly and haltingly in the correct direction, but never arrive. To achieve the highest results, you need to be both knowledgeable and skillful. Knowledge points the way; skill walks the path.

The combination of knowledge and skill provides competency. When individuals are competent then they are able to do the job the way it is intended to be done. To drive competency requires a continuing investment in effective training.

This article is provided by LTC