Skills vs. Competencies: The Jigsaw Puzzle of Superpowers!

Competencies vs. Skills

What Are Competencies and Skills?

Competencies and skills are words we use to talk about what people can do. They both tell us about a person’s ability, but they are not the same.

History of the Words

The word competency comes from “competens,” which is Latin and means “suitable” or “sufficient.” It’s been around for a long time and is used to talk about a group of skills and knowledge needed for a job.

The word skill has roots in the Old Norse word “skil,” meaning “difference” or “discernment.” We use it to describe the ability to do something well.

How to Use Them

Skills are abilities to do something well, like reading or cooking. They are often learned through practice and education.

Competencies are a mix of skills, knowledge, and behavior needed to be effective in a job or role. They are often broader and cover more than one skill.

Examples of Skills

1. Sarah has good writing skills and can write stories easily.
2. Tom uses his cooking skills to make dinner for his family.
3. Alice learned computer skills in school and now works with computers.
4. John’s public speaking skills help him present well in meetings.
5. The boy showed drawing skills when he made a picture of a cat.

Examples of Competencies

1. Emma’s leadership competency makes her a good team leader.
2. Mike’s communication competency helps him explain his ideas clearly.
3. The teacher shows teaching competency by helping all students learn.
4. Her problem-solving competency helped the team fix a big issue.
5. The manager’s decision-making competency guides the company’s growth.

Trick to Remember the Difference

Think of skills as single puzzles pieces. Each skill is one piece. Competencies are like a finished puzzle, made of many skills fitting together to form a bigger picture.

Summary

In short, skills are specific abilities one can practice and improve. Competencies are broader and include skills plus the knowledge and behavior needed to succeed in a role or job. Skills are important parts of competencies; many skills put together make up a competency.