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9 Core Competencies

This is a summary of the Ninety
9 Core Competencies Brief 
 
To read the full brief go to the Ninety Library

Conversation between Colleagues

Introduction

The 9 Core Competencies are the essential areas a business must master to become a great company: Vision, Customer, Goals, People, Structure, Data, Meetings, Process, and Exit. These time-tested competencies have helped thousands of organizations focus, align, and thrive.

 

We evaluate these competencies to guide our decision-making and achieve our greatest goals. 

 

Mastering these competencies takes time. Our goal is to simplify this process and offer the insights we’ve gained from decades of company building and coaching. Our experience has shown us that increasing proficiency with the 9 Core Competencies enhances our ability to create a focused, aligned, and thriving organization.​

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Vision

Includes the many facets of an organization’s definition of itself and the expression of its highest aims. A compelling vision defines the company’s identity, purpose, and direction — its who, why, what, and where. Learn more in our Vision Brief.

Structure

Measures how well you identify the Core Functions of your organization; create an Org Chart that clarifies roles, accountabilities, and responsibilities; and place the right people in the right seats. Learn more in our On Organizational Structure Guide.

Meetings

Measures a defining feature of any organization: its meetings. The right meeting cadence and agenda make the best use of a team’s time — enhancing team health, creating accountability, turning expectations into agreements, and resolving pressing Issues. Learn more in our Weekly Team Meetings Brief and Guide.

Customer

Reflects a company’s ability to identify and market to its Ideal Customers and serve them consistently at the highest level. An organization’s Compelling Value Proposition must resonate deeply with its Ideal Customers. Learn more in our Ideal Customers Brief.

People

Reflects the quality and coherence of a company’s organizational values, norms, and culture. One of the top priorities for strengthening this competency is trust. High-trust relationships align individuals and teams, allowing organizations to thrive. Learn more in our Core Values Brief and Culture Brief.

Process

Measures an organization’s ability to identify, document, and follow processes that define how we do business. Processes have the power to bring alignment to Seats, teams, and entire organizations. Learn more in our Process Brief.

Goals

Looks at an organization’s ability to establish, track, and achieve its compelling set of long-term (10-year), medium-term (2- to 5-year), and short-term (1-year, 90-day) objectives. Learn more about setting long-term goals in our Compelling and Audacious Goals Brief.

Data

Measures how well a company collects, analyzes, and leverages quality information to accomplish its organizational objectives. Companies that use data to analyze past decisions, inform current priorities, and predict future performance have made data their superpower. Learn more in our Data Brief and On Data Guide.

Exit

Measures how well an organization is preparing for a future sale or leadership transition. For founders, purposeful exit planning aligns growth with value acceleration activities, driving up company valuation and maximizing returns for owners. This ensures a smoother transition and great outcomes for all Ideal Stakeholders. Learn more in our Exit Brief.

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