Most individuals tend to lean towards competencies within their work/job that they enjoy.  The premise is they will be more engaged in high performance of a competency when they like what they are doing.  Thus, my premise is that I allow my HR Professionals to choose areas where they would like to become Subject Matter Experts (SME) and then gain that competency so that they may leverage it within the Work Unit.  The Team is then equipped with all the SMEs to ensure that it is a High Peformance Work Unit, but individuals are not required to be experts at all areas that are covered.  They must be competent and know how to leverage their resources wisely.

These individuals are assessed to see what they know, must then gain knowledge, skills and abilities as well as demonstrate the ability to assimilate their skills across the functions of the Team. They are then provided with a one-time pay increase that is aligned to the level of the competency.  The entire team gains from being able to have SMEs within to leverage as a resource.  Creates a sense of collaboration, higher functioning overall and allows for individuals to work and gain compensation in areas to which they are drawn.  Creates the opportunity for career enhancement/growth without creating Management level.  Just a group of high performance team members who do not require day-to-day management. Creates a Win/Win.

Define the skills needed within your team.  How would your team increase overall performance by having SMEs within the working unit?  Would it enhance the overall independence and abilities of that team to perform at a higher level by providing internal resources, if so, then the competency based management model should work.

Additional Steps:

Assess the Team Members (verbal and technical) to see where their "natural inclinations may be" Define the value that this will bring in the form of compensation for the individual

Create pre/post assessment, provide training, guided practice, practical application and continuous evaluation by Current SMEs to ensure standard knowlege, skills and abilities are outlined and continuously gained to add value. Could potentially create levels within the competency and pay according to level of expertise.