A competency model is a framework that identifies the key skills, behaviors, and attitudes required to achieve individual professional growth and, by extension, organizational success.

From 2003 to 2008, Google, Inc. grew in size from 1,000 to 15,000 employees. As a result, during this time Google faced difficult challenges vis-à-vis recruitment, skills development, and, in general, how to shape its young and inexperienced workforce into a pool of potential leaders. Yvonne Agyei, Google’s Director of Talent and Outreach Programs presented Google’s competency model and how it integrates with Google University to provide a wrap-around approach to human capital in a manner true to Google’s corporate culture. Learn more about Google’s culture by watching the video below.

Aimee Eubanks Davis, Teach for America’s Chief People Officer, explained TFA’s Human Assets Team and its Leadership Development System–a comprehensive approach to talent development. The LDS rubric is heavily front-loaded to help ensure that TFA hires the right person for any given position. Then, LDS leverages Individualized Development Plans to ensure that its employees develop the skills necessary to their future success at TFA. Click here to learn more about TFA’s approach to career development.