Applying for a Civil Service position can feel like navigating a maze, but understanding the process can make it a lot smoother. One crucial part of the application is the 250-word statement for various behaviours, such as “Communicating & Influencing.” Today, we’ll delve into this specific behaviour, focusing on what’s expected at the Grade 6 level, and share tips on crafting a compelling statement.
Understanding the Behaviour
Communicating & Influencing is all about effectively conveying information, ideas, and viewpoints to others while also being able to influence their opinions and actions. At the Grade 6 level, this behaviour emphasizes a higher degree of strategic thinking and leadership compared to lower grades. You’re not just expected to communicate clearly and persuasively; you need to influence key stakeholders, navigate complex discussions, and make impactful decisions.
For grades below Grade 6, the focus is more on clear and effective communication within a team or with direct reports. At the Grade 6 level, however, you’re dealing with senior management, cross-departmental teams, and external partners. You must demonstrate a knack for high-stakes negotiation, shaping policy, and steering large projects. Above Grade 6, the expectations rise further, requiring more profound strategic leadership and a broader scope of influence across the entire organization.
Tips for Writing Your 250 Word Statement
Crafting a powerful 250-word statement for the “Communicating & Influencing” behaviour can be daunting, but here are some tips to guide you:
- Understand the B-STAR Method: This stands for Belief, Situation, Task, Action, and Result. It’s a structured way to present your example, ensuring you cover all the necessary elements.
- Be Specific: Vague statements won’t cut it. Use specific examples from your experience that clearly demonstrate your ability to communicate and influence at a strategic level.
- Showcase Strategic Impact: Highlight instances where your communication and influencing skills led to significant, positive outcomes for your team or organization.
- Focus on Key Stakeholders: At Grade 6, it’s crucial to show your interaction with senior leaders, cross-functional teams, or external partners. Emphasize how you managed these relationships.
- Quantify Your Success: Whenever possible, include metrics or tangible results that showcase the impact of your actions. This adds weight to your statement and makes it more compelling.
- Keep it Concise: With only 250 words, every sentence counts. Be clear, concise, and direct. Avoid fluff and focus on the most impactful parts of your story.
250 Word Communicating & Influencing Example
I believe that effective communication and the ability to influence are essential for fostering trust and achieving organizational goals.
As a Regional Sales Manager our team needed to introduce a new product line to a skeptical market. The product was innovative but required a shift in how our clients perceived its value.
My task was to lead this introduction and gain buy-in from both our sales team and potential clients. To start, I organized training sessions for our sales team, breaking down the product’s complex features into clear, understandable benefits.
Understanding that each client had unique needs, I tailored my communication approach accordingly. For some, I emphasized cost savings; for others, I highlighted the product’s cutting-edge technology. I conducted one-on-one meetings with key clients, listening to their concerns and addressing them with tailored solutions.
When faced with resistance, I remained open-minded and respectful, using persuasive techniques to illustrate how the product aligned with their long-term goals. I introduced webinars and interactive demos as part of our communication strategy, making the most of digital resources to engage a broader audience efficiently.
To monitor our progress, I gathered feedback from both the sales team and clients, making necessary adjustments to our approach. This helped refine our messaging and improve our influence.
The result was a successful product launch, with sales exceeding targets by 30% in the first quarter. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of clear, adaptive communication and the ability to influence through understanding and respect for diverse perspectives.