Applying for Civil Service positions can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to writing the 250-word statements required for the application.
Many candidates find this aspect the hardest part of their application. But fear not!
With a solid understanding of the behaviour required and a structured approach, what initially seems like a weakness can turn into a significant strength.
Related Article: 5 Working Together Behaviour Statement Examples
Understanding "Working Together" at EO Level
At the Executive Officer (EO) level, "Working Together" takes on a nuanced and sophisticated meaning. This behaviour is all about fostering an inclusive environment where collaboration, mutual support, and teamwork thrive. At this level, you are expected to lead by example, actively engaging with a diverse range of colleagues and stakeholders to achieve common goals.
Unlike previous levels, where the emphasis might have been on contributing to a team, at the EO level, the expectation shifts towards inspiring and enabling others. You'll need to demonstrate a higher degree of leadership, empathy, and the ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics. The focus is on leveraging the strengths of your team, breaking down silos, and fostering a culture of trust and openness.
Crafting Your Statement: The B-STAR Technique
To effectively showcase your "Working Together" skills at the EO level, the B-STAR technique is an invaluable tool. This structured approach ensures that your statement is clear, concise, and compelling. Here’s how you can apply the B-STAR technique:
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Belief: Start by outlining your core belief in the importance of teamwork and collaboration. This sets the stage for your statement and gives the reader insight into your motivations and values.
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Situation: Describe a specific scenario where you had to bring people together. This context helps to ground your statement in reality and shows that you can identify situations where teamwork is essential.
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Task: Clearly define your role in this scenario. At the EO level, this should highlight your leadership and the specific responsibilities you took on to foster collaboration.
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Action: Detail the actions you took to address the situation. Focus on how you facilitated cooperation, resolved conflicts, and encouraged open communication. Highlight the strategies you used to engage your team and any innovative approaches you employed.
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Result: Conclude with the outcomes of your actions. This should demonstrate the tangible benefits of your collaborative efforts, such as achieving a project milestone, enhancing team morale, or solving a complex problem.
By using the B-STAR technique, you can create a well-rounded and impactful statement that clearly illustrates your ability to work together at the EO level.
Now, let's look at an example statement to see how these elements come together in practice...
Check out 50 example statements across all 9 key behaviours
250 Word Statement Example
Working as a Policy Advisor collaboration is essential for developing effective policies. I believe that strong partnerships and an inclusive approach are key to achieving our objectives.
When tasked with drafting a new policy on affordable housing, I recognized the need for input from various stakeholders, including local authorities, housing associations, and community groups. To ensure comprehensive and balanced input, I organized a series of workshops and consultations.
I started by identifying key stakeholders and inviting them to participate in the workshops. During these sessions, I facilitated open discussions, encouraging participants to share their insights and concerns. I made it a point to listen actively and show genuine interest in their perspectives, which helped build trust and foster a collaborative atmosphere.
To keep the momentum going, I set up a collaborative online workspace where participants could continue to share ideas and feedback. This platform allowed for transparent communication and easy access to all relevant documents and updates.
Understanding the importance of an inclusive environment, I ensured that all voices were heard and respected. I emphasized the unacceptability of bullying, harassment, and discrimination, creating a safe space for open dialogue. Additionally, I provided support to those who needed help navigating the new online tools, ensuring everyone could contribute effectively.
The final policy draft was well-received and praised for its inclusivity and practicality. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of working together and valuing diverse perspectives to create effective and sustainable policies.
