Competencies: A new language for our work

Abstract

One of the most critical strategic issues facing the Cooperative Extension System is how to create an infrastructure that promotes innovation and continuous learning. Linking individual competencies that lead to superior performance to the strategic directions of the organization will help us anticipate the new knowledge, skills and behaviors needed in the future in order to respond to complex problems facing our clientele. This commentary suggests that competency models are powerful decision making tools and CES should consider expanding the use of competencies as we strive to achieve relevance, usefulness and quality in our educational programs.