Hokie Dozen Leadership Competencies
The Hokie Dozen Leadership Competencies define the knowledge, skills, behaviors, and mindsets that enable individuals to lead effectively at Virginia Tech. They matter because they:
- Provide a shared language for leadership across the university.
- Guide professional development by identifying the capabilities needed to lead with integrity and influence.
- Support organizational success by aligning individual growth with institutional goals and values.
- Shape leadership programs and assessments, ensuring consistency in expectations and outcomes.
How They Are Used:
- Incorporated into leadership development programs for faculty, staff, and administrators.
- Serve as a framework for training, coaching, and performance conversations.
- Inform competency-based assessments and self-reflection tools.
- Help individuals navigate organizational dynamics, manage change, and build collaborative relationships.
Communication
Communicating Effectively
Communicates clearly and effectively across diverse audiences and mediums.
Engagement
Understanding Organizational Dynamics
Understands the structure, culture, and dynamics of the institution and uses that knowledge to navigate effectively.
Making Strategic Decisions
Makes informed, forward-thinking decisions aligned with institutional goals and values.
Expertise
Taking Initiative
Takes proactive steps to improve processes, solve problems, and contribute beyond assigned responsibilities.
Innovation
Managing Change and Building Change Agility
Adapts effectively to evolving circumstances, demonstrates resilience in the face of uncertainty, and helps others navigate transitions. Encourages a mindset of flexibility, curiosity, and continuous learning to build change agility across teams and organizations.
Engaging in Constructive Conflict
Fosters a culture where constructive conflict is welcomed as a catalyst for innovation, learning, and stronger relationships.
Leadership
Leading from Where You Are
Influences and inspires others regardless of formal authority or position.
Advocating for People
Influences and inspires others regardless of formal authority or position.
Building Self-Awareness and Emotional Intelligence
Practices self-awareness and emotional intelligence, while fostering growth and understanding in others.
Professionalism
Upholding Ethics and Principles of Community
Acts with integrity and upholds the university’s shared values in all decisions and actions.
Teamwork
Collaborating Intentionally and Strategically
Actively seeks opportunities to develop partnerships within and throughout the university and the community.
Developing Performance with Individuals and Teams
Supports positive performance culture for individual and team growth through clear expectations, ongoing feedback, and accountability. Builds strong relationships, fosters teamwork, and contributes to a positive team culture.
Engaging in Constructive Conflict
Fosters a culture where constructive conflict is welcomed as a catalyst for innovation, learning, and stronger relationships.
Assistance available
8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
Email: vttraining@vt.edu
Phone: 540-231-9331