The 250-word statements are often the Achilles' heel for many candidates applying for Civil Service roles.
These concise yet impactful summaries require not just a deep understanding of the role's competencies but also the ability to convey your experience and potential succinctly.
However, with a solid grasp of the required behaviour and a structured approach, what seems like a daunting task can transform into a powerful element of your application.
Related article: 5 Changing & Improving Executive Officer Example Statements
What "Changing and Improving" Means at the Executive Officer (EO) Level
At the EO level, the "Changing and Improving" behaviour emphasizes the ability to initiate and support change, demonstrate adaptability, and foster continuous improvement. Unlike more junior levels, where following established processes is key, EO-level candidates are expected to identify areas for improvement proactively, suggest and implement changes, and support their team through transitions. This means being open to new ideas, demonstrating resilience in the face of challenges, and continuously seeking ways to enhance efficiency and effectiveness within their sphere of influence.
Check out statements for all 9 key behaviours
Statement Structure: The B-STAR Technique
Crafting a compelling 250-word statement requires more than just listing achievements; it demands a clear, structured narrative that highlights your capabilities and experiences. This is where the B-STAR technique comes into play. Here's how to apply it effectively for the "Changing and Improving" behaviour:
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Belief: Start by briefly stating your belief or philosophy about the importance of change and improvement in your role. This sets the stage for your narrative and demonstrates your proactive mindset.
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Situation: Describe a specific situation where you identified a need for change. Be concise but provide enough context to understand the background and why change was necessary.
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Task: Outline the task you were responsible for in this scenario. What was your role in initiating or supporting the change? This should clearly indicate your level of responsibility and involvement.
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Action: Detail the actions you took to address the situation. Focus on the steps you initiated to bring about improvement, highlighting your problem-solving skills, creativity, and leadership.
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Result: Conclude with the results of your actions. Quantify the impact where possible – did it save time, reduce costs, increase efficiency, or improve morale? This not only shows the effectiveness of your approach but also the tangible benefits of your contribution.
By structuring your statement with the B-STAR technique, you can ensure a clear, compelling narrative that showcases your ability to embrace and drive change effectively.
Changing & Improving EO Example
I believe that continuous improvement and adaptability are critical to achieving efficient and effective outcomes. Embracing change not only enhances productivity but also fosters innovation. I actively seek opportunities to enhance my skills and knowledge in this area by staying updated with the latest technological advancements and best practices in process improvement.
In my previous role as an Administrative Officer, our team was experiencing delays in processing customer service requests due to outdated procedures. This was causing frustration among both staff and customers.
I was responsible for identifying inefficiencies in our current processes and proposing a solution to improve the overall workflow.
I began by conducting a review of our current procedures, identifying areas where delays were most significant. I gathered feedback from team members to understand their pain points and suggestions for improvement. Based on this feedback, I proposed the implementation of a digital workflow system that would automate several manual tasks. I researched and identified a suitable software solution, then presented my findings and recommendations to management. After securing approval, I coordinated the implementation of the new system, including training team members on its use and monitoring the transition to ensure smooth adoption.
The implementation of the digital workflow system resulted in a 40% reduction in processing time for customer service requests. Team members reported higher job satisfaction due to reduced manual workload, and customer feedback improved significantly. This change not only streamlined our operations but also demonstrated the positive impact of embracing technological advancements and continuous improvement.
