Applying for a civil service job? One of the key components of the application process is the 250-word statement. It’s a short but mighty opportunity to showcase your fit for the role, and today, we’re diving into the “Leadership” behaviour at the Grade 6 level.
Understanding the Leadership Behaviour
Leadership in the civil service is all about inspiring and guiding teams towards achieving goals. At Grade 6, it means leading with vision and conviction, fostering an environment where others can excel, and navigating complex challenges with confidence.
But what does this mean for you?
- Below Grade 6: Leadership is more about managing tasks and ensuring your immediate team meets objectives. The focus is on direct influence and managing smaller scopes of work.
- At Grade 6: Leadership takes on a strategic dimension. You’re expected to shape direction, influence across multiple teams, and handle significant projects. It’s about setting the stage for others to perform and making high-stakes decisions.
- Above Grade 6: The emphasis shifts to broader organisational influence, long-term strategy, and leading large departments.
Tips for Writing Your 250-Word Leadership Statement
Crafting a compelling 250-word statement can be tricky, but with the right approach, you can make a strong impression. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Understand the B-STAR Method: Structure your statement using B-STAR (Belief, Situation, Task, Action, Result). This method ensures your example is clear and impactful.
- Belief: Start with your core belief or approach to leadership. What principles guide you?
- Situation: Describe the context or challenge you faced.
- Task: Explain your specific role and what needed to be accomplished.
- Action: Detail the steps you took to address the situation.
- Result: Highlight the outcomes of your actions. Focus on the impact and any lessons learned.
- Be Specific and Concise: With only 250 words, every sentence counts. Choose a specific example that showcases your leadership at a Grade 6 level. Avoid vague statements and jargon.
- Showcase Strategic Thinking: At this grade, it’s not just about what you did but how you thought through the problem and the strategic impact of your actions. Emphasize how you influenced others and navigated complex issues.
- Highlight Key Achievements: Use metrics or tangible results to demonstrate your effectiveness. Did you improve team performance, deliver a critical project, or drive significant change? Make sure to include these achievements.
- Reflect on Personal Growth: Show that you’re a reflective leader who learns and grows from experiences. Mention any insights gained and how they’ve shaped your leadership style.
Remember, your statement is your chance to shine. It’s not just about ticking boxes but telling a story of leadership that sets you apart.
Here’s an example to illustrate…
250 Word Statement Example
I believe that effective leadership is about inspiring others, promoting diversity, and creating a shared vision that everyone is passionate about.
As a Project Manager, I was responsible for leading a team to develop a new community outreach program. Our goal was to engage diverse communities and ensure inclusive participation.
To start, I held a series of meetings with team members to establish a shared vision for the project. We discussed the importance of inclusivity and fairness, and I emphasized my commitment to these values. I encouraged everyone to share their perspectives and ideas, fostering an environment where all voices were heard and valued.
Understanding the diverse needs of the communities we were serving, I promoted diversity and inclusion within our team. I ensured that our team represented a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, which enriched our approach and made our outreach more effective.
I also sought feedback from external stakeholders, including community leaders and advocacy groups. Despite conflicting pressures, I stood by the team’s decisions when they were challenged, explaining the rationale and benefits of our approach to ensure buy-in and support.
To inspire and motivate the team, I recognized and celebrated our achievements regularly. I also provided opportunities for professional development and encouraged team members to take on leadership roles within the project.
By seeking shared interests beyond our immediate responsibilities, we developed partnerships with other departments and organizations, amplifying our impact. This collaborative approach led to a successful program that was well-received by the community.