According to OPM, Executive Core Qualifications “define the competencies needed to build a federal corporate culture that drives for results, serves customers and builds successful teams and coalitions within and outside the organization. The ECQs are required for entry to the Senior Executive Service (SES) and are used by many departments and agencies in selection, performance management and leadership development for management and executive positions.”
ECQ1: Leading Change
This vital qualification, according to OPM, involves the ability to implement strategic change internal and external to the organization, to meet organizational goals and to establish and implement an organizational vision.
ECQ2: Leading People
Members of the SES must keep the organization’s vision, mission and goals at the center of leading people. “Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork and supports constructive resolution of conflicts.”
ECQ3: Results Driven
SES members must be able to meet goals and expectations of the organization and its customers. High-quality results are accomplished by thorough analysis of problems, application of technical knowledge and calculating risk.
ECQ4: Business Acumen
The ability to manage resources strategically is vital to SES membership; these include human, financial and information resources.
ECQ5: Building Coalitions
Building coalitions internally and with other agencies is vital to achieving common goals. Outside organizations may include other federal agencies; local and state governments; nonprofit and private-sector organization; foreign government agencies; or international organizations.
Fundamental Competencies
OPM describes these competencies as “the personal and professional attributes that are critical to successful performance in the SES,” and “that serve as the foundation for each of the Executive Core Qualifications.”