Table 1.

Laboratory leadership competency framework design.

Each competency is structured as follows: Competency: A combination of the knowledge, skills, and abilities that are critical to perform a task effectively (for example, “3.Management”).
Competency domain: A discrete component of a competency (for example, “3.2 Resource management”).
Subdomain: A subcomponent of a domain (for example, “3.2a. Budgeting and financial management”).
Area: Competency domains and subdomains are broken down further Into areas of activity (for example, “3.2.1. Laboratory budget”,”3.2.2. Financial auditing process”, “3.2.3. Financial resource utilization”)
Performance activities are designed in levels according to proficiency, as described below:
Levels of Proficiency
Developing: The individual has advanced knowledge of the principles, concepts and/or methodologies related to the competency as attained through educationor training (e.g., coursework, on-the-job orientation.mentorship, etc.). and is able to perform a range of assignments under supervision, or during mentorship and/or coaching. Skilled: The individual analyses and independently applies principles, concepts and/or methodologies related to the competency as attained through education or training and successful experience in a variety of complex assignments.	Expert: The Individual has mastered the principles, concepts and/or methodologies related to the competency and has demonstrated significant success in performing the most demanding assignments requiring the competency. Applies innovations in the competency to problem solving and task completion and is able to synthesize, critique or teach the competency and is able to provide coaching and mentoring. For each performance activity, action verbs are standardized according to level of proficiency, as shown below.
Action verbs a by level of proficiency
Developing	Skilled	Expert
Define: To determine or identify the essential qualities or meaning of Describe: To represent or give an account of in words (or represent by figure, model, or picture) Identify: To establish the identity of Outline: To indicate the principal features or different parts of List: To make a simple series of words or numerals	Explain: (1) to give the reason for or cause of;(2) to show the logical development or relationships of Analyze: to study or determine the nature and relationship of the parts Apply: to put to use, especially for practical purposes Demonstrate:(1) to prove or make clear by reasoning or evidence;(2) to illustrate and explain, especially with many examples Implement: to give practical effect to and ensure of actual fulfillment by concrete measures	Create: (1) to produce or bring about by a course of action:(2) to produce through skill;(3) to make or bring into existence something new Design: (1) conceive and plan out in the mind;(2) to draw plans for Develop: to set forth or make clear by degrees or in detail Evaluate: to determine the significance, worth or condition of, usually by careful appraisal and study Perform: b to carry out an action Prioritize: to list or rate in order of priority

^a Definitions for action verbs adapted from Merriam-Webster dictionary (https://www~merriam-webster.com).

^b May be used at more than one level of proficiency, depending on context.