KSA Needs A Kick In The A?

Transitioning knowledge, skills, abilities to KSA & Application

A vacancy is what triggers the start of the process for attracting qualified applicants. The external recruiting efforts usually begin with an advertisement of a vacancy and instructions directing prospective employees to the employer's website to create an account in which applicants can track the progress of their application. Internally, the hiring manager or recruiter starts by reviewing the applicant's online application and / or resume. There is an urgent need for the hiring team to broaden the scope of the selection criteria beyond the usual Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA) as listed in a resume or provided on an online application. Applicants typically list KSAs, but they fail to highlight the application of KSAs to verifiable and achieved results reflective of exceptional performance.

What are Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA)? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary Knowledge is defined as the fact or condition of knowing something with familiarity gained through experience or association, acquaintance with or understanding of a science, art, or technique - such as the achievement of a technical or college degree. Skill is the ability to use one's knowledge effectively and readily in execution or performance, a learned power of doing something competently - such as the use of Microsoft Office Suite. Ability is defined as the quality or state of being able, physical, mental, or legal power to do something - such as typing speed, oral or written communication.

In today's workplace are Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) enough for growing professionals to contribute to a company's growth? It is essential for professionals in any field of expertise to demonstrate the proper application of KSAs. For instance, Human Resources professionals are exposed to many workplace situations that require the application of knowledge, skills, and abilities quickly or within a reasonable time after evaluating all facts for prompt and quick resolution. When it comes to having the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of a job, sometimes a roadmap is available for reaching a decision-making point. Most companies have Workplace Policies and Procedures in place that outline potential outcomes for offenders. Using the employer's workplace attendance policy as a guide, Human Resources professionals can easily manage and work with employees to ascertain a balance between family and work life.

It is quite different when it comes to managing Employee Relations issues effectively, because some situations are not as clear-cut and require the application of many other human attributes. Therefore, the application of our knowledge, skills, and abilities is crucial for managing human capital in the workplace successfully.

For example, the application of KSA in circumstances where the employee has requested leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act must go beyond basic knowledge of the minimum requirements such as: covered employers, employee worked for at least 12 months, and at least 1,250 hours and at locations at least with 50 employees within a 75 mile radius.

In this case, in order to advance to Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Application (KSA&A), Human Resources professionals must dive into learning the intricacies of employment law. Referring to the previous example, FMLA offers guidance on the certification and recertification processes and circumstances when each is applied, types of leave under FMLA, authentication, duration, balances, return to work, and much more. The understanding of employment law must be greater in scope to ensure that the application of our knowledge, skills, and abilities are properly applied during the decision-making process to detour potential legal liability. Employment law can get even more complex considering the Family Medical Leave Act can intersect with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as well as Workers Compensation known in many circles as The Bermuda Triangle. Knowing the basics is not enough. Instead it is risky business.

How do we get to Knowledge Application? Knowledge Application is achieved when available knowledge is used to make decisions and perform tasks through direction and routines. Advancing from KSA to KSA&A requires continuous learning, sharing of lessons learned, exposure to varying degrees of workplace issues that are not necessarily guided by specific workplace rules, and the virtue of being a lifelong student complemented with mindful mentoring.

The Society of Human Resources (SHRM) webpage SHRMConnect¹ is dedicated to the discussion of Human Resources topics in which members can ask questions and get answers from their peers, and where members can remain anonymous. SHRMConnect is a portal with free-flowing information. Members can exchange thoughts, get advice, share best-practices, and learn about employment law in-depth leading to a broader knowledge base and increased confidence in the application of KSAs.

Additionally, learning is made easier since with the advancement of technology information is readily available from almost any source and can be found with a few keyboard clicks. Each State has its own Department of Labor (DOL) webpage where information ranging from minimum wage, Sick Leave laws, Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and much more is accessible for broadening one's knowledge base to further develop the ability to make good management decisions to achieve the successful application of KSAs. Here is that word again - application. It can no longer be ignored. Having the tools such as education, experience, and a curious mind are the groundwork from which professionals commence the journey for deriving a sense of accomplishment when the application of KSAs are properly applied resulting in a measurable return-on-investment (ROI).

It is time to evolve your KSAs, through continuous self-development to demonstrate the successful Application of KSAs through measurable and demonstrable results, while shining the light on Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & APPLICATION (KSA&A). Are you there yet?

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