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Capability Development Guide (CDG)
The capability development guide is a self-development tool to assist current and future senior executives in the Australian Public Service (APS) to manage their professional development. It is based on the 20 capabilities critical for effective performance in leadership roles, as outlined in the Senior Executive Leadership Capability (SELC) framework and further expanded in the Integrated Leadership System (ILS).
The senior executive leadership capability framework (leadership framework)is a comprehensive statement of requirements for senior executives, setting out the behaviours that characterise high performance in senior executive leadership roles in the Australian Public Service. It applies directly to all areas of planning for the senior executive service, including as selection criteria, as the basis for leadership development and performance management, and as a guide to succession planning.
The integrated leadership system (leadership system) is an expansion of the leadership framework, identifying descriptions and behaviours for each of the 20 capabilities at the five different executive and senior executive level career points. This provides a distinctive development focus for each level and strengthens the capacity of individuals and organisations to appropriately develop members of the executive and senior executive groups.
Both the leadership framework and system are uniquely Australian and unique to the requirements and aspirations of the Australian Public Service. Both are initiatives of the Australian Public Service Commission, developed in collaboration with agencies across the Australian Public Service, with the leadership framework released in 1999 and the leadership system released in 2004.
The capability development guide was originally developed for use in the Australian Public Service Commission’s Career Development Assessment Centre (CDAC), which was established in December 1999. The CDAC aims to provide executive level 2 officers with comprehensive information about their strengths and development needs relative to the leadership framework and leadership system (band one capabilities) and to finalise and implement a development plan based on information gained through the CDAC regarding areas requiring development. This guide suggests a series of development activities for each of the 20 leadership capabilities.
Development planning and review
A development plan and review form is included at the back of the Guide to assist the development planning process. To gain maximum use of a development plan, it is important to set realistic time frames in which to complete the selected activities. Each time frame should take into account the amount of time that can be made available to concentrate on the activity, and the relative importance of developing that specific capability. The key aim is to ensure regular review of the development progress, and re-assessment of the level of capability. This is likely to be most successfully achieved when conducted in combinations of 3, 6 and 12-month intervals, with your manager, and/or selected coach or mentor.
Personal development
The following suggestions may be useful in terms of effective use of the guide:
- Browse through the guide to get an idea of what it contains. Look at the headings and skim some of the text for an overview.
- Spend a little time thinking about your individual objectives for development. Use all the information at your disposal including feedback you have received from your manager and colleagues, formal appraisal reviews, 360˚ feedback, assessment centres and other relevant information. Keep your objectives and this information in mind when working through the guide.
- Self-awareness is an important prerequisite to the development of leadership capability. Avoid the temptation to work through the whole guide in one sitting. Schedule shorter, more frequent sessions in order to digest the material in the guide.
- Personal development is largely an individual responsibility. This Guide provides a comprehensive basis for an individual manager to plan and implement personal and career development strategies. You can use it to complement action, feedback and advice you receive.
- Use the development planner as the basis for the discussion with your manager and selected mentor regarding your development needs and strategies.
Purchasing or downloading the Capability Development Guide
The following downloads are available:
PDF
MS WordWe also have bound copies of the EL2 Capability Development Guide available to purchase. If you would like to purchase a copy please send your request to rebecca.kemp@apsc.gov.au.
- EL2 Capability Development Guide - bound copy
Cost $10.00 per copy (inc. GST)
