Axelerant is an organization caring for the people who empower our customers. As such, the relationships we have matter more than absolute competence. An ideal Axelerant team member is accountable, capable, and coachable and works well with others.
Because we have personalized interpretations of accountability, capability, coachability, and collaboration, Axelerant provides a mutual context of these behavioral skills via Axelerant’s behavior model.
Axelerant’s behavior model merges globally recognized SFIA8 behavioral skills with our EKO values to progressively map behavior traits to individual contributor leaders' and business managers' role levels.
Axelerant’s Behavior Model Components
Effective Communication
Collaboration
Self Management
Problem Solving
Ownership
1. Effective communication
Active listening skills
Active listening refers to a communication skill that involves fully focusing on and understanding the speaker's message. It is a technique that involves not only hearing the words being spoken but also paying attention to the speaker's body language, tone of voice, and other nonverbal cues. Active listening involves giving the speaker one's full attention and engaging in a dialogue that shows that you are interested in understanding their perspective. This type of listening requires the listener to refrain from interrupting, asking questions to clarify points, summarizing what was said, and providing feedback to the speaker. The goal of active listening is to create a safe and comfortable space for the speaker to communicate, while also allowing the listener to fully comprehend and retain the information being shared.
Writing skills
Writing skills refer to the ability to communicate effectively through the written word. This involves not only the ability to compose grammatically correct sentences and use proper punctuation and spelling, but also the ability to convey ideas and information, concisely, and engagingly. Good writing skills require a solid understanding of language, including vocabulary, syntax, and grammar, and the ability to organize thoughts and ideas logically and coherently.
Presentation skills
Presentation skills refer to the ability to deliver information in a clear, engaging, and effective manner to an audience. These skills involve not only verbal communication but also nonverbal communication, such as body language, tone of voice, and visual aids. Effective presentation skills require planning, preparation, and practice.
To be a good presenter, one needs to structure the presentation logically and cohesively, use appropriate language and tone, and engage the audience through effective use of gestures, eye contact, and other nonverbal cues. Strong presentation skills also involve the ability to use visual aids, such as slides, videos, and props, to enhance the message being delivered.
Non-verbal communication skills
Nonverbal communication skills refer to the use of body language, gestures, facial expressions, tone of voice, and other nonverbal cues to convey messages to others without using words. It's a way of communicating through actions, rather than verbal language.
These skills are essential in interpersonal communication and can greatly impact how others perceive us and how effectively we can convey our intended message. Examples of nonverbal communication skills include making eye contact, using appropriate facial expressions, using body language that is congruent with what is being said, using an appropriate tone of voice, and being aware of personal space and proximity to others. Nonverbal communication can also include the use of touch, posture, and even clothing choices.
Proactive communication
Proactive communication refers to the act of initiating communication with others in a way that anticipates their needs, concerns, or questions. It involves taking the initiative to provide information, updates, or feedback without being prompted to do so.
Proactive communication is often seen as a valuable skill in many contexts, such as in the workplace or personal relationships. It can help build trust, improve collaboration, and reduce misunderstandings or conflicts that may arise from miscommunications.
Examples of proactive communication include regularly updating team members on project progress, anticipating and addressing potential customer concerns before they arise, or reaching out to a friend or family member to check in and offer support. Proactive communication can also involve taking steps to prevent problems before they occur, such as identifying potential risks and communicating them to stakeholders.
Overall, proactive communication involves being attentive to others' needs and taking the initiative to communicate effectively in a way that benefits everyone involved.
Gives recognition
Sharing & asking for feedback
2. Collaboration
A helping attitude
A helping attitude refers to a mindset or approach that is focused on assisting others and being supportive. It involves a willingness to offer help, advice, or resources to those who need them, without expecting anything in return.
A helping attitude is characterized by empathy, kindness, and a desire to make a positive impact on others. It involves being open and approachable, and actively seeking out opportunities to assist others in achieving their goals or addressing their needs.
Some of the key qualities associated with a helping attitude include:
Empathy: the ability to understand and share the feelings and experiences of others
Compassion: a genuine concern for the well-being of others
Altruism: a selfless concern for the welfare of others
Patience: the ability to remain calm and supportive in challenging situations
Responsiveness: a willingness to be available and responsive to the needs of others.
Overall, a helping attitude involves a commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others and being a source of support and encouragement.
Being respectful
Being respectful refers to treating others with consideration, kindness, and dignity. It involves acknowledging and valuing the inherent worth and importance of every individual, regardless of their background, beliefs, or identity.
Respect is an important aspect of interpersonal relationships and is often viewed as a fundamental principle of human interaction. It involves listening to others with an open mind, refraining from judgment or criticism, and treating others as we would like to be treated.
Some key elements of being respectful include:
Politeness: using appropriate language, manners, and tone of voice when interacting with others
Empathy: being able to understand and share the feelings of others
Tolerance: accepting and respecting differences in opinions, beliefs, and lifestyles
Consideration: being mindful of others' needs and feelings
Honesty: being truthful and transparent in our interactions with others
Fairness: treating others equitably and without bias
Being respectful can be beneficial in many different contexts, from personal relationships to the workplace to the broader community. It helps to build trust, foster positive interactions, and create a sense of mutual understanding and appreciation.
Overall, being respectful involves recognizing and valuing the worth of every individual, and treating others with kindness, consideration, and dignity.
Manifesting humility
Humility is a characteristic or quality of being modest, humble, and unassuming. It is the opposite of arrogance and a willingness to acknowledge one's limitations or mistakes. A humble person is open to learning and growth and does not feel the need to constantly assert their own superiority over others.
Humility is often seen as a desirable trait in many cultures. It can help build better relationships and promote teamwork, as well as encourage empathy and compassion for others. It can also help individuals to develop a greater sense of self-awareness and be more receptive to feedback and constructive criticism.
Practicing humility can involve being mindful of one's own thoughts and behaviors, avoiding boasting or self-promotion, acknowledging one's mistakes and shortcomings, and showing respect and appreciation for others.
Flexibility
Flexibility at work refers to the ability of people to adjust to changes in work demands, schedules, or environments. This includes being open to new ideas, adapting to different roles or responsibilities, and having the willingness to work outside of one's regular duties.
Flexibility at work can manifest in several ways, such as being open to learning new skills, having flexible work hours, or being able to adjust to unexpected changes in work assignments or projects. It can also involve being able to accommodate the needs of peers or customers, such as adjusting deadlines or work schedules to ensure that everyone can meet their obligations.
In today's fast-paced and ever-changing work environment, being able to adapt to new situations and respond to changing circumstances can help individuals and organizations achieve their goals and succeed in their respective industries.
Inclusivity
Inclusivity at work refers to the practice of creating a work environment where all people are treated fairly, with respect and dignity, and have equal opportunities to contribute and succeed. It involves valuing diversity and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background, identity, or beliefs, feel welcome, included, and supported in the workplace.
An inclusive workplace culture encourages open communication, collaboration, and teamwork among peers, promotes a sense of belonging, and recognizes and celebrates individual differences. It also involves actively seeking out and addressing barriers to inclusivity, such as discrimination, bias, or unequal access to resources or opportunities.
An inclusive workplace can lead to improved people satisfaction, increased creativity and innovation, and better decision-making, which can ultimately benefit the organization as a whole.
Empathy
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings and perspectives of another person. It involves being able to put oneself in someone else's shoes and see things from their point of view, even if we don't necessarily agree with them.
Empathy involves both cognitive and emotional components. On a cognitive level, it involves the ability to recognize and understand another person's emotions and thoughts. On an emotional level, it involves sharing the feelings of others and feeling a sense of connection or resonance with their experiences.
Empathy is often seen as an important skill in interpersonal relationships, as it can help to build trust and foster mutual understanding. It can also be a key component of effective communication, as it allows us to more accurately perceive and respond to the needs and concerns of others.
There are different types of empathy, including cognitive empathy, emotional empathy, and compassionate empathy. Cognitive empathy involves understanding someone else's thoughts and perspective. Emotional empathy involves feeling and sharing someone else's emotions. Compassionate empathy involves taking action to help others based on our understanding of their emotions and needs.
Overall, empathy is an important skill that allows us to connect with others, understand their experiences, and respond in a way that is compassionate and supportive.
3. Self-management
Time management
Time management is the process of planning and organizing how much time is spent on various activities to maximize productivity and efficiency. It involves setting goals, prioritizing tasks, and allocating time to each task based on its level of importance and urgency.
Effective time management skills can help individuals make the most of their time and accomplish more in less time. It involves developing a schedule or a to-do list and sticking to it, avoiding procrastination, and minimizing distractions that can take away from productive work time.
Some key elements of time management include identifying and prioritizing important tasks, setting realistic deadlines, breaking large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, and allocating time for breaks and rest periods to avoid burnout.
Effective time management skills can have numerous benefits, including reduced stress and anxiety, improved productivity and efficiency, increased motivation and self-discipline, and better work-life balance. It is an essential skill for individuals in both personal and professional settings and can contribute to overall success and well-being.
Goal setting
Goal setting is the process of identifying specific, measurable, and achievable objectives that an individual wants to accomplish within a defined timeframe. It involves creating a plan or a roadmap for achieving those objectives and taking specific actions to move towards them.
Effective goal setting involves identifying clear and concise objectives that are aligned with an individual's overall mission or purpose. The goals should be specific and measurable, with clear criteria for success, and should be achievable within a defined timeframe.
The process of setting goals often involves breaking down larger, long-term objectives into smaller, more manageable steps or sub-goals. This allows individuals to make progress toward their goals in a structured and manageable way.
In addition to identifying goals and creating a plan for achieving them, effective goal setting also involves regularly monitoring progress and making adjustments as necessary. This involves evaluating performance against established metrics, identifying obstacles or challenges that may be impeding progress, and making adjustments to the plan as needed to stay on track.
Overall, goal setting is a critical skill for individuals looking to achieve success and make progress toward their objectives. By setting clear, measurable goals and creating a plan for achieving them, individuals can stay focused and motivated, and ultimately achieve their desired outcomes.
Planning skills
Planning skills refer to the ability to organize and prepare for tasks and projects in advance. It involves identifying the steps necessary to achieve a goal or complete a task, estimating the time and resources required for each step, and creating a plan or roadmap to guide the process.
Effective planning skills can help individuals achieve their goals more efficiently and effectively. It allows individuals to prioritize tasks, manage their time and resources more effectively, and stay focused on achieving their objectives.
Growth mindset
A growth mindset at work refers to the belief that skills, abilities, and intelligence can be developed and improved through hard work, effort, and learning. Individuals with a growth mindset believe that their potential is not fixed and that they can always continue to learn, grow, and improve.
In a workplace context, having a growth mindset can lead to increased resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to take on new challenges. It can also foster a culture of continuous learning, where employees are encouraged to experiment, take risks, and learn from their mistakes.
Individuals with a growth mindset are typically more open to feedback and constructive criticism, as they see it as an opportunity to learn and improve. They are also more likely to seek out new experiences and challenges, take on leadership roles, and demonstrate a willingness to collaborate and share knowledge with others.
Adaptability
With rapidly advancing technologies, the reality of clients' changing requirements, the increasing use of agile development techniques, and other factors, adaptability is an essential soft skill to improve. Being willing and able to quickly adapt to situations is a skill highly valued by employers.
Prioritization
Prioritization skills are essential for engineers to effectively manage their workload, meet deadlines, and ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. Here are some key prioritization skills for engineers:
Goal Setting: Engineers should set clear goals for themselves and their projects. This helps them stay focused and motivated and ensures that their efforts are aligned with the project's overall objectives.
Time Management: Engineers must effectively manage their time to meet project deadlines. They should prioritize tasks based on their importance, urgency, and the time required to complete them.
Task Prioritization: Engineers should prioritize tasks based on their importance, urgency, and impact on project goals. They should focus on completing high-priority tasks first and delegate low-priority tasks to others.
Communication: Engineers should communicate regularly with team members, stakeholders, and management to ensure that everyone is aware of the project's status, goals, and priorities.
Flexibility: Engineers should be adaptable and willing to adjust their priorities as the project evolves. They should be able to reprioritize tasks and resources to meet changing requirements.
Decision Making: Engineers should be able to make sound decisions based on the available data and project goals. They should consider the impact of their decisions on the project's overall success.
By mastering these prioritization skills, engineers can effectively manage their workload and ensure that their projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the desired quality standards.
4. Problem-solving
Innovation
Innovation refers to the process of creating or developing new ideas, methods, products, or services that are novel and useful. It involves combining existing knowledge, skills, and technologies in creative ways to address a particular problem or challenge. Successful innovation often requires a willingness to take risks, experiment with new approaches, and embrace failure as a natural part of the process.
Critical thinking
Critical thinking is the process of analyzing and evaluating information and ideas in a logical and systematic manner in order to form well-reasoned judgments and conclusions. It involves using skills such as observation, interpretation, analysis, evaluation, inference, explanation, and self-reflection to identify the strengths and weaknesses of arguments and evidence, and to assess their relevance and reliability. Critical thinking requires an open-minded and skeptical attitude, a willingness to consider alternative perspectives and evidence, and a commitment to intellectual honesty and rigor. It is an essential skill for making informed decisions, solving problems, and engaging in reasoned discourse in both personal and professional contexts.
Research
Research skills are essential for engineers as they often need to solve complex problems and develop new technologies, products, or systems. Some research skills that are particularly important for engineers include:
Information gathering: Engineers need to be able to gather information from a wide range of sources, including scientific journals, technical manuals, and industry publications. They should be able to use online databases and search engines to find relevant information quickly and efficiently.
Data analysis: Engineers must be able to analyze and interpret complex data, such as experimental results or performance metrics, to draw meaningful conclusions and make informed decisions. They should be proficient in statistical analysis and data visualization tools.
Experimental design: Engineers often conduct experiments to test hypotheses or validate designs. They should be able to design and execute experiments, collect and analyze data, and draw conclusions from the results.
Problem-solving: Engineers need to be able to identify problems, analyze their root causes, and develop effective solutions. They should be able to use critical thinking and creativity to generate new ideas and approaches.
Technical writing: Engineers need to be able to communicate their ideas, designs, and results clearly and effectively through technical reports, presentations, and other documents. They should be proficient in technical writing and documentation tools.
Collaboration: Engineers often work in teams and need to be able to collaborate effectively with colleagues from different backgrounds and disciplines. They should be able to communicate clearly and respectfully, listen actively, and contribute to group decision-making processes.
Curiosity
Curiosity at work refers to a natural inclination to seek out new information, experiences, and opportunities to learn and grow professionally. It involves a desire to understand the underlying reasons for things, ask questions, and challenge assumptions.
Examples of curiosity at work include:
Asking questions to gain a deeper understanding of a problem or issue.
Seeking out opportunities for professional development and growth.
Exploring new technologies or processes to improve performance and efficiency.
Seeking feedback from colleagues, mentors, or supervisors to improve skills and performance.
Experimenting with new approaches to solve problems or achieve goals.
Engaging in cross-functional collaborations to gain new perspectives and insights.
Curiosity at work can lead to innovation, creativity, and continuous improvement. It can help individuals to stay relevant in a rapidly changing work environment, and it can lead to new opportunities for career growth and advancement.
Move forward objectively
Moving forward objectively at work refers to the ability to make decisions and take actions based on facts, evidence, and analysis, rather than personal biases or subjective opinions. It involves being able to consider multiple perspectives, evaluate information critically, and make decisions that are based on sound reasoning and objective criteria.
Examples of moving forward objectively at work include:
Evaluating job candidates based on their qualifications, experience, and skills, rather than personal preferences or biases.
Making decisions based on data and analysis, rather than personal opinions or assumptions.
Conducting performance evaluations based on objective criteria, such as job responsibilities, performance goals, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
Resolving conflicts or disputes through objective mediation and negotiation, rather than taking sides or favoring certain individuals.
Identifying and addressing organizational problems through systematic problem-solving techniques, such as root cause analysis and process improvement.
Moving forward objectively at work can help to ensure fairness, consistency, and transparency in decision-making, and it can help to avoid potential biases or errors that may arise from subjective opinions or emotions. It requires a commitment to evidence-based reasoning, critical thinking, and the willingness to consider alternative perspectives and solutions.
5. Ownership
Taking initiative
Taking initiative at work refers to the ability and willingness to identify and act on opportunities to improve processes, solve problems, and achieve goals without being prompted or directed by others. It involves proactively seeking out new challenges, taking responsibility for one's own work and decisions, and demonstrating a can-do attitude.
Examples of taking initiative at work include:
Identifying areas for improvement in existing processes and procedures and proposing solutions.
Taking on new responsibilities or projects that align with the company's goals and mission.
Volunteering for tasks or projects that are outside of one's job description.
Suggesting new ideas and innovations to enhance performance, productivity, or customer satisfaction.
Anticipating and addressing potential problems before they occur.
Taking ownership of mistakes and working to find solutions to prevent them from happening in the future.
Taking initiative at work can demonstrate leadership potential, a commitment to achieving results, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
Accountability
Accountability refers to the responsibility and obligation to report, explain, and justify actions and decisions to others. It involves being answerable for the consequences of one's actions, both positive and negative, and being willing to accept feedback, criticism, and consequences for any shortcomings or failures.
Accountability is an essential aspect of good governance, ethical behavior, and effective management. It helps to ensure transparency, fairness, and trust.
Integrity
Integrity at work refers to a person's adherence to moral and ethical principles, values, and standards in all of their actions, decisions, and interactions with others in the workplace. It involves being honest, trustworthy, and transparent in one's communication and behavior, and doing what is right, even when it is difficult or unpopular.
Integrity in the workplace can manifest in a number of ways, including:
Honesty and transparency in communication and actions.
Consistency in behavior and decision-making, even in the face of pressure or difficult circumstances.
Accountability and responsibility for one's actions and decisions.
Respect for others' rights and opinions, and treat others fairly and impartially.
Upholding ethical standards and principles, and avoiding conflicts of interest.
Maintaining confidentiality and protecting sensitive information.
Integrity is an essential characteristic for building trust and credibility with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders. It helps to foster a positive and productive work environment, and promotes a culture of honesty and ethical behavior.