ABILITY

Here we will carefully differentiate between competence, ability and capability.  This distinction is true for individuals and groups / teams of people.

Ability versus Capability

Ability is our own aptitude, our skill and our propensity to be able to accomplish a task.  Our capacity to complete a task has a reliance or a dependency on the resources required to successfully complete this task.  These resources may be time or tools.

We may be able, but we may not have the capacity to successfully use our abilities.  Thus, we are NOT capable.  It should feel safe to be able to state that an individual or a team aren't capable.  Indeed it should also be safe to state that they aren't able, but this is more of a direct assessment of their knowledge & Skills.

We may not have enough time or the right equipment to be able to undertake a task.  To achieve the desired outcome may require certain tools and resources.

Capability includes having the right tools and resources for the job in hand.

Ability versus Competence

What makes an individual competent is a combination of ability and attitude. 

What makes a team competent is more than simply grouping together individually competent people. We have to also consider team communication, collaboration and many factors. We discuss this in our Establishing High Performing Teams resource.