Synogize Personal Development Framework

Category

Skill

Code

Overall Description

Guidance Notes

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Level 4

Level 5

Level 6

Level 7

Growth Mindset

Habit #1 Be Proactive

HBEP   

Habit 1: Be Proactive is about taking responsibility for your life. Focus and act on what you can control and influence instead of what you can’t.

The Habit of Personal Responsibility. Be Proactive is about taking responsibility for your life. Proactive people recognize that they are “response-able.” They don’t blame circumstances, conditions, or conditioning for their behavior. They know they can choose their behavior. Reactive people, on the other hand, are often affected by their physical environment. They find external sources to blame for their behavior. If the weather is good, they feel good. If it isn’t, it affects their attitude and performance, and they blame the weather.

All these external forces act as stimuli that we respond to. Between the stimulus and the response is our greatest power—we have the freedom to choose our response. One of the most important things we choose is what we say. Our language is a good indicator of how we see ourselves.

A proactive person uses proactive language—I can, I will, I prefer, etc. A reactive person uses reactive language—I can’t, I have to, if only. Reactive people believe they are not responsible for what they say and do—they have no choice.

Proactive people focus their efforts on their Circle of Influence®. They work on the things they can do something about: health, children, or problems at work.

Reactive people focus their efforts in the Circle of Concern™—things over which they have little or no control: the national debt, terrorism, or the weather. Gaining an awareness of the areas in which we expend our energies is a giant step in becoming proactive.

You have awareness of Habit 1: Be Proactive and starting to think about how you can implement this habit in day to day life.

Starting to use Habit 1 in day to day life by being proactive and planning your week. Starting to use proactive language - I can, I will, I prefer to influence your daily life.

Using Habit 1 most days in day to day life by being proactive and planning your week. Use proactive language most days - I can, I will, I prefer. Starting to focus less on things you can't influence.

Consistently using Habit 1 in day to day life by being proactive and planning your week. Use proactive language daily - I can, I will, I prefer. Becoming better at focusing less on things you can't influence.

At this level you have taken full responsibility of your life, and are consistently using Habit 1 in day to day life by being proactive and planning your week. You use proactive language consistently - I can, I will, I prefer. To a great extend, you focus on your circle of influence, and work on the things you can do something about.

At this level you have taken full responsibility of your life, and are consistently using Habit 1 in day to day life by being proactive and planning your week. You use proactive language consistently - I can, I will, I prefer. Consistently focus on your circle of influence, and work on the things you can do something about. You don't blame circumstances or conditions for your behaviour and are aware you can choose your behaviour.

At this level you have taken full responsibility of your life, and are consistently using Habit 1 in day to day life by being proactive and planning your week. You use proactive language consistently - I can, I will, I prefer. Consistently focus on your circle of influence, and work on the things you can do something about. You don't blame circumstances or conditions for your behaviour and you are consistently able to choose your behaviour and responses to outside influences.

Habit #2 Begin with the End in Mind

HBEM

Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind. Define clear measures of success and a plan to achieve them.

Habit 2: Begin With the End in Mind is based on imagination—the ability to envision in your mind what you cannot at present see with your eyes. It is based on the principle that all things are created twice. There is a mental (first) creation, and a physical (second) creation. The physical creation follows the mental, just as a building follows a blueprint.

If you don’t make a conscious effort to visualize who you are and what you want in life, then you empower other people and circumstances to shape you and your life by default. It’s about connecting again with your uniqueness and then defining the personal, moral, and ethical guidelines within which you can most happily express and fulfill yourself.

One of the best ways to incorporate Habit 2 into your life is to develop a Personal Mission Statement. It focuses on what you want to be and do. It is your plan for success. It reaffirms who you are, puts your goals in focus, and moves your ideas into the real world. Your mission statement makes you the leader of your own life. You create your destiny and secure the future you envision.

You have awareness of Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind and starting to think about how you can visualize who you are and what you want in life.

Starting to use Habit 2 in day to day life by starting to visualize who you are and what you want in life. You are working on creating your Personal Mission Statement, focusing on what you want to be and do.

Using Habit 2 most days in day to day life by starting to get a clearer picture of your visualization of who you are and what you want to be. You are well on your way to creating your Personal Mission Statement, reaffirming who you are, your uniqueness, and defining the personal, moral and ethical guidelines within which you can most happily express and fulfill yourself.

Consistently using Habit 2 in day to day life by having a clear picture of your visualization of who you are and what you want to be. You have created your Personal Mission Statement, and are working towards living your visualization daily.

At this level your Personal Mission Statement is part of your everyday life, and you have a very clear picture of who you are and what you want to be. Your goals are in focus, and you can start moving your ideas into the real world. You are clear on Beginning each day with the End in Mind.

At this level your Personal Mission Statement is second nature to you, and you act every day according to your Personal Mission Statement of who you are and what you want to be. Your goals are in focus, and you do things every day to move your ideas into the real world. You Begin each day with the End in Mind.

At this level you have taken full responsibility of your life, and are consistently using Habit 2 in day to day life by Beginning with the End in Mind. You consistently follow your Personal Mission Statement of who you are and who you want to be. You are working on your goals every day and succeeding. You are realising the future you envisioned.

Habit #3 Put First Things First

HFTF

Habit 3: Put First Things First. Prioritize and achieve your most important goals instead of constantly reacting to urgencies.

The Habit of Personal Management.
Habit 3: Put First Things First is the exercise of independent will toward becoming principle-centered. Habit 3 is the practical fulfillment of Habits 1 and 2. Habit 1 says, “You are the creator. You are in charge.” Habit 2 is the first mental creation, based on imagination, the ability to envision what you can become. Habit 3 is the second creation, the physical creation.

This habit is where Habits 1 and 2 come together. It happens day in and day out, moment-by-moment. It deals with many of the questions addressed around time management. But that’s not all; habit 3 is about life management as well—your purpose, values, roles, and priorities. What are “first things?” First things are those things you find of most worth. If you put first things first, you are organizing and managing time and events according to the personal priorities you established in Habit 2.

You have awareness of Habit 3: Put First Things First. You are starting to understand that First Things are those things you find most worth. You are aware that implementing Habit 3 is the practical fulfillment of Habits 1 and 2.

You are staring to implement Habit 3 by working on your time management skills and prioritising those things most important to you and putting them first.

You are implementing Habit 3 by doing time management most days, and prioritising those things most important to you and putting them first. You are getting better at organising and managing time and events according to the personal priorities you established in Habit 2

You are implementing Habit 3 by consistently applying time management, and prioritising those things most important to you and putting them first. You are organising and managing time and events daily according to the personal priorities you established in Habit 2

You are implementing Habit 3 by consistently applying time management, and prioritising those things most important to you and putting them first. You are consistently organising and managing time and events daily according to the personal priorities you established in Habit 2

At this level you are consistently using Habit 3 in day to day life by Putting First Things First. By Implementing Habit 1 and Habit 2, Habit 3 has become the physical creation of your efforts in Habit 1 and 2. You are consistently managing your life as per your Personal Mission Statement, and fulfilling your purpose, values, roles and priorities.

Habit #4 Think Win Win

HTWW

Habit 4: Think Win Win. Collaborate more effectively by building high-trust relationships.

The Habit of Mutual Benefit.

Think Win-Win isn’t about being nice, nor is it a quick-fix technique. It is a character-based code for human interaction and collaboration.

Most of us learn to base our self-worth on comparisons and competition. We think about succeeding in terms of someone else failing—if I win, you lose; or if you win, I lose. Life becomes a zero-sum game. There is only so much pie to go around, and if you get a big piece, there is less for me; it’s not fair, and I’m going to make sure you don’t get anymore. We all play the game, but how much fun is it really?

Win-win sees life as a cooperative arena, not a competitive one. Win-win is a frame of mind and heart that constantly seeks mutual benefit in all human interactions. Win-win means agreements or solutions are mutually beneficial and satisfying. We both get to eat the pie, and it tastes pretty darn good!

To go for win-win, you not only have to be empathic, but you also have to be confident. You not only have to be considerate and sensitive, but you also have to be brave. That balance between courage and consideration is the essence of real maturity and is fundamental to win-win.

You have awareness of Habit 4: Think Win-Win. You are starting to understand that Think Win-Win is the Habit of Mutual Benefit, an seeing life as a cooperative arena, not a competitive one. 

You are starting to implement Habit 4: Think Win-Win. You understand that Think Win-Win is the Habit of Mutual Benefit, an seeing life as a cooperative arena, not a competitive one, and try to incorporate this into daily life. You are aware that in order to go for win-win, you have to be both emphatic and confident, be both considerate and sensitive, and be brave. You are applying balance between confidence and consideration sporadically.

You implement Habit 4: Think Win-Win in most situations. You understand that Think Win-Win is the Habit of Mutual Benefit, and seeing life as a cooperative arena, not a competitive one, and try to incorporate this into daily life. You have win-win at the front of mind, and seek mutual benefit in all human interactions on a weekly basis. You are aware Win-Win means agreements or solutions are mutually beneficial and satisfying. You are applying balance between confidence and consideration weekly.

You implement Habit 4: Think Win-Win in all situations. You understand that Think Win-Win is the Habit of Mutual Benefit, and seeing life as a cooperative arena, not a competitive one, and consistently incorporate this into daily life. You have win-win at the front of mind, and seek mutual benefit in all human interactions on a daily basis. You know Win-Win means agreements or solutions are mutually beneficial and satisfying. You are applying balance between confidence and consideration daily.

You implement Habit 4: Think Win-Win consistently in all situations. You understand that Think Win-Win is the Habit of Mutual Benefit, and seeing life as a cooperative arena, not a competitive one, and consistently incorporate this into daily life. You have win-win at the front of mind, and seek mutual benefit in all human interactions consistently. You preach that Win-Win means agreements or solutions are mutually beneficial and satisfying. You are consistently managing to balance courage and consideration displaying real maturity, which is fundamental to Win-Win. 

Habit #5 Seek first to Understand, Then to be Understood

HSUU

Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, then to be Understood.
Influence others by developing a deep understanding of their needs and perspectives.

The Habit of Empathic Communication
Communication is the most important skill in life. You spend years learning how to read, write, and speak. But what about listening? What training have you had that enables you to listen so you really, deeply understand another human being? Probably none, right?

If you’re like most people, you probably seek first to be understood; you want to get your point across. In doing so, you may ignore the other person completely, pretend that you’re listening, selectively hear only certain parts of the conversation or attentively focus on only the words being said, but miss the meaning entirely. So why does this happen?

Because most people listen with the intent to reply, not to understand. You listen to yourself as you prepare in your mind what you are going to say, the questions you are going to ask, etc. You filter everything you hear through your life experiences, your frame of reference. You check what you hear against your autobiography and see how it measures up. Consequently, you decide prematurely what the other person means before they finish communicating. Do any of the following sound familiar?

You might be saying, “Hey, wait a minute. I’m just trying to relate to the person by drawing on my own experiences. Is that so bad?” In some situations, autobiographical responses may be appropriate, such as when another person specifically asks for help from your point of view or when there is already a very high level of trust in the relationship.

You have awareness of Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, then to be Understood. You are starting to understand that listening so you really, deeply understand another human being is an important skill.

You are starting to implement Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, then to be Understood. You are practicing your listening skills by paying great attention when someone speaks and really listen to them before answering. You are able to implement your listening skills sporadically.

You are implementing Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, then to be Understood on a weekly basis. You are using your listening skills better by paying great attention when someone speaks and really listen to them before answering. You've started listening with the intent to understand, not to reply and get your point across. You are able to implement your listening skills in many cases.

You are implementing Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, then to be Understood on a daily basis. You are using your listening skills extensively by paying great attention when someone speaks and really listen to them before answering. You are mostly listening with the intent to understand, not to reply and get your point across. You are able to implement your listening skills in most cases.

You are implementing Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, then to be Understood consistently. You are a listening champion, and always pays great attention when someone speaks and make sure you really listen to them and understand them before answering. You are always listening with the intent to understand, not to reply and get your point across. You are able to implement your listening skills consistently.

Habit #6 Synergize

HSYN

Habit 6: Synergize.
Develop innovative solutions that leverage diversity and satisfy all key stakeholders.

The Habit of Creative Coorporation.
To put it simply, synergy means “two heads are better than one.” Synergize is the habit of creative cooperation. It is teamwork, open-mindedness, and the adventure of finding new solutions to old problems. But it doesn’t happen on its own. It’s a process, and through that process, people bring all their personal experience and expertise to the table.

Together, they can produce far better results than they could individually. Synergy lets us discover jointly things we are much less likely to discover by ourselves. It is the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. One plus one equals three, or six, or sixty—you name it.

When people begin to interact together genuinely, and they’re open to each other’s influence, they begin to gain new insight. The capability of inventing new approaches is increased exponentially because of differences.

Valuing differences is what really drives synergy. Do you truly value the mental, emotional, and psychological differences among people? Or do you wish everyone would just agree with you so you could all get along? Many people mistake uniformity for unity and sameness for oneness. One word—boring! Differences should be seen as strengths, not weaknesses. They add zest to life.

You have awareness of Habit 6: Synergize. You are starting to understand that synergy means "two heads are better than one", and that Synergize is the habit of creative cooperation. You are starting to understand that Synergize is teamwork, open-mindedness, and the adventure of finding new solutions to old problems. 

You are starting to implement Habit 6: Synergize. You understand that synergy means "two heads are better than one", and that Synergize is the habit of creative cooperation. You understand that Synergize is teamwork, open-mindedness, and the adventure of finding new solutions to old problems. You are starting to understand that Synergize is a process where people bring their personal experience and expertise to the table, and that valuing differences is what really drives synergy.

You are implementing Habit 6: Synergize on a daily basis. You understand and value that synergy means "two heads are better than one", and that Synergize is the habit of creative cooperation. You understand and value  that Synergize is teamwork, open-mindedness, and the adventure of finding new solutions to old problems. You understand and value that Synergize is a process where people bring their personal experience and expertise to the table, and that valuing differences is what really drives synergy.

You are implementing Habit 6: Synergize consistently. You completely understand and value that synergy means "two heads are better than one", and that Synergize is the habit of creative cooperation. You completely understand and value that Synergize is teamwork, open-mindedness, and the adventure of finding new solutions to old problems. You consistently apply Synergize to work processes where people bring their personal experience and expertise to the table, and fully understand and champion that valuing differences is what really drives synergy.

Habit #7 Sharpen the Saw

HSTS

Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw
Increase motivation, energy, and work/life balance by making time for renewing activities.

You are starting to understand Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw, which is the Habit of Daily Self-Renewal. You become aware that you need to preserve and enhance yourself, and have a balanced program for self-renewal in the four areas of your life: physical, social/emotional, mental and spiritual.

You are starting to implement Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw, which is the Habit of Daily Self-Renewal. You set aside time for activities to preserve and enhance yourself, and have a balanced program for self-renewal in the four areas of your life: physical, social/emotional, mental and spiritual. As you renew yourself in each of the four areas, you create growth and change in your life, sharpening the saw keeps you fresh so you can continue to practice the other six habits. 

You are consistently implementing Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw, which is the Habit of Daily Self-Renewal. You have mastered taking time for activities to preserve and enhance yourself, and have a balanced program for self-renewal in the four areas of your life: physical, social/emotional, mental and spiritual. As you renew yourself in each of the four areas, you create growth and change in your life, sharpening the saw keeps you fresh so you can continue to practice the other six habits. By consistently implementing Habit 7, you increase your capacity to produce and handle the challenges around you. 

Communication

Effective communication

 ECOM

Be able to communicate effectively with colleagues, team members, clients, management and stakeholders

Communication Skills is having the ability to convey information to others so that messages are understood and outcomes delivered. The 7 essential qualities of Communication Skills are:
(A) Understanding the needs of others,
(B) Clearly communicating messages,
(C) Adapting communication style,
(D) Using a range of communication methods,
(E) Building an influential network,
(F) Awareness of personal impact, and
(G) Assertively dealing with conflict.

I have awareness of Habit 1: Be Proactive and started to think about how I can implement this habit in day-to-day life.

I have Started to use Habit 1 in day-to-day life by being proactive and planning my week. Started to use proactive language - I can, I will, I prefer to influence my daily life.

I am using Habit 1 most days in day-to-day life by being proactive and planning my week. I use proactive language most days - I can, I will, I prefer. Started to focus less on things I can''t influence.

I consistently use Habit 1 in day-to-day life by being proactive and planning my week. Use proactive language daily - I can, I will, I prefer. I am becoming better at focusing less on things I can''t influence.

I have taken full responsibility of my life and am consistently using Habit 1 in day-to-day life by being proactive and planning my week. I use proactive language consistently - I can, I will, I prefer. To a great extend, I focus on my circle of influence, and work on the things you I do something about.

I have taken full responsibility of my life and am consistently using Habit 1 in day-to-day life by being proactive and planning my week. I use proactive language consistently - I can, I will, I prefer. I consistently focus on my circle of influence, and work on the things you I do something about. I don''t blame circumstances or conditions for my behaviour and am aware I can choose my behaviour.

I have taken full responsibility of my life and am consistently using Habit 1 in day-to-day life by being proactive and planning my week. I use proactive language consistently - I can, I will, I prefer. I consistently focus on my circle of influence, and work on the things I can do something about. I don''t blame circumstances or conditions for my behaviour, and I am consistently able to choose my behaviour and responses to outside influences.

Advanced Presentation skills

APRS

Be able to confidently do presentations (body language and spoken word) and get key points across to colleagues, team members, clients, management and stakeholders

Can present with confidence to senior audience. Can covey complex information in a clear and concise way.
Communicates fluently, orally and in writing, and can present complex information to both technical and non-technical audiences when engaging with colleagues, users/customers, suppliers and partners.

Clearly demonstrates impactful communication skills (oral, written and presentation) in both formal and informal settings, articulating complex ideas to broad audiences.

Understands and communicates industry developments, and the role and impact of technology.
Communicates authoritatively at all levels across the organisation to both technical and non-technical audiences articulating business objectives.

Communicates the potential impact of emerging practices and technologies on organisations and individuals and assesses the risks of using or not using such practices and technologies.
Communicates persuasively and convincingly across own organisation, industry and government to audiences at all levels.

Storytelling

STOR

Be able to use Storytelling to get points across in presentation settings, be able to include crucial story elements such as plots, characters, and surprising angles. Storytelling in a broader sense is mastering the techniques to tell the story of a company or product.

How to analyse your audience and tailor a key message
how to structure your clear and logical data story including effective recommendations
how to create effective data visualisations and beautiful PowerPoint slides (for both reporting and presenting)
how to use voice variety and effective body language to present your message

Be able to use some components of storytelling.
Be able to understand the audience and develop a clear message. This encompasses storytelling and organising information in a clear structure.

Be able to use multiple component of storytelling.
Be able to understand the audience and develop a clear message. This encompasses storytelling and organising information in a clear structure.
Be able to DESIGN the visual element of presentation (PowerPoint), and include data visualisation when presenting information, statistics or graphs/charts.

Be able to use all component of storytelling.
Be able to understand the audience and develop a clear message. This encompasses storytelling and organising information in a clear structure.
Be able to DESIGN the visual element of presentation (PowerPoint), and include data visualisation when presenting information, statistics or graphs/charts.
Be able to implement body language, voice use, slide interaction, etc. in your physical delivery of presentation. Be able to implement confidence and being heard when presenting, and injecting humour and displaying personality and energy.

Be able to master all components of storytelling in your presentation, incl. key messaging, tell your data story with effective recommendations, create effective data visualisations, and how to use voice variety and effective body language, and injecting humour and displaying personality and energy when presenting your message.

Define Risks, Assumptions, and Dependencies

DRAP

RAD (Risk, Assumptions and Dependencies) analysis is a project planning technique for identifying key project Risks (R), Assumptions (A), and Dependencies (D). Project teams should complete an initial analysis at the beginning of the project when estimating. Each items can be rated based on its impact on the speed, profitability or outcomes of the project, allowing you to focus on what is most important.

RAD analysis focuses on four key areas:

Risks – events that can have an adverse impact if they occur. Risks are events that will adversely affect the project if they eventuate. Evaluate their importance based on the likelihood they’ll occur, along with the impact on the project if they do.
Assumptions – things you assume are in place which contribute to the success of the project. Assumptions are aspects of the project that you assume will be in place to help the project run but can’t be guaranteed. If they are proved wrong, there will be an impact on the project.
Dependencies – other projects or triggers that your project depends on, or are a beneficiary of your project outcomes. Dependencies are activities which need to start or be completed so the project can progress and succeed. Dependencies may rely on internal or external events, suppliers, or partners.

Have awareness of Risks, Assumptions and Dependencies when doing estimations, and can define basic risks, assumptions and dependencies.

Able to define and implement some Risks, Assumptions and Dependencies factors when estimating a new job, but might not have a clear overview of all important factors.

Able to define and implement most Risks, Assumptions and Dependencies factors when estimating a new job, but might occasionally miss some important factors.

Able to define and implement all relevant Risks, Assumptions and Dependencies factors when estimating a new job. Comfortably able to include all aspects without missing any important factors.

Able to define and implement all relevant Risks, Assumptions and Dependencies factors when estimating a new job. Comfortably able to include all aspects without missing any important factors, and are able to include additional factors not normally included in assessment. 

Effort Estimation

EFES

Effort estimation is the process of estimating how much effort your project will take to bring to life. It is expressed in terms of person-hours or money

Solid effort and cost estimations form the basis of a successful project. They facilitate planning how the project will progress and how your team will work on it. The estimation you make can help ensure a smooth and organised project or lead to a complex and tiring one. A realistic effort estimate requires you to have a clear understanding of certain elements of the project:
The purpose and scope of the project (If working with a client, what are their expectations?)
What needs to be done to achieve it
What resources should be allocated
Timeline 

Have a basic understanding of estimates and their role in overall project management and delivery.

Can provide work effort estimate within area of expertise.

Can provide work effort estimates for projects and break down effort by phases and resource seniority.

Is confident in providing work effort estimates and can break down effort by resource seniority. Understands cost implications of resource mix and contractual engagement form.

Provides effort estimated within field of specialisation for complex project. Perform review and quality assurance of effort estimates. Reviews and approves resource mix, which drives cost structure of project.

Perform review and quality assurance of effort estimates. Reviews and approves resource mix, which drives cost structure of project. 

Pricing & Margin

PRMA

Monitoring the margin of a project helps understand whether a project has been financially successful for our organisation. Margin (profit) is an important KPI used to determine the success of a project. Projectworks keeps track of all costs and revenue associated with a project, so the projected margin is updated as new data is entered. This is another reason why updated timesheets, resourcing, and revenue forecasts are important.

You can predict the margin you will make on a project before you even start working on it. By entering the financial forecasts (revenue expected) and the resourcing required to complete it (the cost to deliver) you can see the projected margin and verify whether the project will deliver the financial results expected. The margin of a project is calculated by subtracting the costs from the revenue. Costs can comprise of time worked by your team as well as expenses required to complete a project.  Margin is presented as a dollar amount and percentage. The margin percentage is calculated as the percentage of the revenue that you get to keep. In other words:

(Revenue fewer costs) divided by revenue

While a project is open the margin is fluid as it is impacted by costs incurred and planned, as well as revenue recognized or forecast.

Projectworks allows you to keep your eye on the current and projected margin.

Have a basic understanding of ratecard and engagement models (T&M, Fixed Price)

Can allocate price to proposed resource mix as part of overall estimation. Understand the difference between T&M and Fixed Price Engagements

Set the price and margin for each project based on ratecard, costing model and margin guidelines. Negotiates resource mix and sell rate to optimise delivery within client budget constraints.

Sets the pricing and margin strategy for overall company and individual key accounts.