Ursula’s work with internal professional groups has given her unique insight into professional career development and the leveraged role of internal professionals. Simply put, Ursula knows why some professionals are highly influential in their roles and their organizations, while others are not. Her collaboration with consulting guru Murray Hiebert has influenced Ursula’s work on competencies for internal professionals.

Ursula's most recent presentation on this topic is The Communicator as Business Partner , to IABC Calgary in October 2007. Click to download this Powerpoint presentation.

From a junior, advisor position to that of organizational leader, the professional role above all must be flexible and must adapt to the situation. It is never all strategic, but neither should it be all tactical. This model illustrates the range of roles.

	Tactics
Implement	Professional Resource Professional Expert Business Partner Organizational Leader	Influence
	Strategy

This model is a short version of the key capabilities.

Professional Advisor	Professional Expert	Business Partner	Organizational Leader
Effectively performs detailed and routine work Expects others to contract with clients and define work Shows directed creativity and initiative	Demonstrates technical competence, credibility, and reputation Actively promotes best functional solutions to client(s) Is responsible for defined projects and clients	A full process equal partner Adapts role to best fit the situation Applies skills of influence and persuasion Is able to identify and work with conflict and resistance	Develops and influences others, as a project leader, or coach Shapes strategic direction of functional area for the entire organization Produces organizational results