Communication Skills was the competency participants rated themselves highest on before attending Compass. It was also the skill that was improved least by the course. From a pre-course average of 3.4, the score improved by only half a rating point to 3.9. Interestingly, communication problems were mentioned or alluded to quite frequently in participant's comments about how the training impacted their performance back at work. Furthermore, these skills were one of the most highly requested items for developmental level Universal Competencies. In sum, individuals feel that communication is a problem in the NPS, communication training is important, but that they are more skilled in communication than in any other competency 

The behavioral descriptors from the survey touch tangentially on interpersonal communication. Eighty-two percent of respondents said that as a result of participating in Compass II, they "very often" or "all of the time" represent the NPS better in their personal and professional lives. Additionally, 81% say they work effectively and supportively with partners. 

As mentioned earlier in this document, many people reported improved internet skills as a result of Compass I. As technology becomes more and more integrated into the way the NPS mission is fulfilled, it behooves the organization to offer as many opportunities as possible to bring everyone up to speed on efficient use of that technology.