FAQ > Frequently asked questions about the TMA method, competency management and 360º feedback


What are competencies?
competencies are general descriptions of behavior that is needed in order to fulfill (part of) a task or position successfully.

Employees develop their competencies throughout their working lives; the TMA Competency Model helps you assess and develop those competencies.

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Why would I use competencies?
If you implement the idea of competencies in your organization you can:

  • Easily translate your mission and vision into behavior you expect from your employees
  • Clearly define your selection and assessment criteria according to desired competencies
  • Lower the cost for recruitment and selection procedures
  • Help your employees develop in areas that are fundamental to your organization
  • Provide more effective training
  • Implement a clear and objective assessment method

A clearly communicated Competency model will help employees take responsibility for their own careers and development.

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How was the TMA Competency Model developed?
If you look at many different Competency models you will find that terms and definitions vary widely. Although most Competency models will attempt to describe competencies in terms of tangible behavior few of them succeed.

The TMA Competency Model was developed using dozens of researches on Competency models. At the basis are clearly defined competencies at 4 levels.

TMA competencies

1. Adaptability2. Ambition3. Assertiveness
4. Attention to detail5. Business orientation6. Coaching
7. Commercial Power8.Conduct9. Conflict Management
10. Controlling Progress11. Cooperation12. Courage
13. Creativity14. Customer orientation15. Decisiveness
16. Delegating17. Developing employees18. Discipline
19. Energy20. Flexible behavior21. Focus on Quality
22. Forming judgment23. Identification with management24. Independence
25. Initiative26.Innovative power27. Integrity
28. Introduction29. Leadership of groups30. Learning ability
31. Listening32. Managing33. Networking
34. Networking35. organization sensitivity36. Perseverance
37. Persuasiveness38. Planning and organizing39. Political Sensitivity
40. Presenting41. Problem analysis 42. Result-orientedness
43. Self development 44. Sensitivity45. Sociability
46. Social Awareness47. Stress management48. Verbal expression
49. Vision50. Written expression

The TMA Competency Model can be tailor-made to suit your demands; every Competency contains:

  • Definition of the Competency
  • Behavioral examples at general, operational, strategic and tactical level
  • Explanation of the Competency; background and additional information
  • STAR-based interview questions. On the basis of these questions you can attain a reliable view on a candidate by asking about Situation, Task, Action, and Results
  • Development activities: suggestions for candidates to develop certain competencies on their own without guidance from a superior or coach
  • Coaching advice: advice for the coach or superior to help develop a candidate’s Competency;
  • Relationship to a person’s personality (the possibility of developing a Competency): The extent in which a Competency can be developed depends on a person’s personality. In order to review a candidate’s potential for development you can use the TMA Talent Analysis. Someone’s potential does not only indicate to what extent s/he is competent in relation to a position or environment; it also provides information on the areas in which development is more or less likely to succeed.

How do I use the TMA Competency Model?
You can use the TMA Competency Model for a number of reasons:

  • Developing a Competency profile for a position
  • Using the interview guide, based on the STAR method, for selection interviews
  • Providing a talent and Competency analysis for your current and future employees
  • Defining criteria to assess your employees’ behavior
  • Assessing any given training
  • And so on…

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Is my usage of the TMA Competency Model limited?
If you hold a license for the TMA Competency Model, you have unlimited access for all authorized users. We provide a non-exclusive, non-commercial and non-transferable worldwide licence to the TMA Competency Model for internal use.

For information on reseller licenses, please contact us at info@tmamethod.com.

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What is a Competency profile?
A Competency profile consists of a limited number of competencies, and the behavioral examples that go with them, that are directly related to particular position, combined with their according level. Usually, a position is characterized by five to ten competencies.

You can use a valid and reliable Competency profile for recruiting, selecting, training and developing your employees. By investing in a valid and reliable Competency profile you can provide clarity for your employees and reduce the costs of burn-out and dismission.

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Are there any pre-defined Competency profiles?
The TMA Method provides a number of generic profiles but since all organizations and circumstances are unique, they can easily be adapted to your needs.

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How do I obtain the TMA Competency Model?
You can order the TMA Competency Model by sending an e-mail to info@tmamethod.com or by calling +31 30 2670444.

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What do I get if I obtain the TMA Competency Model?
If you obtain the TMA Competency Model you will be given an online portal with access to the digital version of the Competency Model. You can then select those competencies and behavioral examples to adjust the model so it suits your organization and needs exactly.

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In which languages is the TMA Competency Model available?
The TMA Competency is available in English, German, Danish, French and Dutch. Spanish will be released shortly.

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How much does the TMA Competency Model cost?
You can order the TMA Competency Model by sending an e-mail to info@tmamethod.com or by calling +31 30 2670444.

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What do I pay for updates and new versions of the TMA Competency Model?
Updates and new versions of the TMA Competency Model are free of charge.

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Numerous Competency models are freely available from the Internet. Why would I opt for the TMA Competency Model?
The TMA Competency Model is the result of ten years of combined experience with hundreds of organizations. Every Competency has been validated extensively with various organizations and on a general, operational, tactical, and strategic level. Every Competency in the model contains behavioral examples on the same general, operational, tactical, and strategic levels. This extended Competency model (with behavioral examples, STAR interview questions, development and coaching suggestions, and suggestions for further reading) can be adapted to your organization’s specific needs. You can do this yourself or we can do it for you. You can access the complete model online so you can start Competency assessments immediately (0, 180, and 360 degrees feedback).

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