Applying for a Civil Service position can be daunting, especially when it comes to the 250-word statements required for each of the behaviours.
Many candidates find these statements the hardest part of their application.
However, with a solid understanding of the behaviour and a well-structured approach, this challenge can transform into an opportunity to shine.
Related Article: 5 Seeing the Big Picture Behaviour Statements
Understanding "Seeing the Big Picture" at Grade 6 Level
The "Seeing the Big Picture" behaviour is crucial at the Grade 6 level. At this stage, you're expected to demonstrate a deep understanding of how your work fits into the wider organizational goals and the broader public context.
This goes beyond merely performing tasks; it’s about being strategic and recognizing the long-term implications of your actions.
At Grade 6, you should showcase your ability to analyze complex information, anticipate future needs, and identify emerging trends. Unlike at lower grades, where the focus might be on understanding immediate team objectives,
Grade 6 requires a broader perspective. You should illustrate how you align your work with the department’s vision, influence policy decisions, and contribute to the overall strategic direction.
Structuring Your Statement with B-STAR
To effectively convey your understanding and experience with "Seeing the Big Picture," the B-STAR technique is invaluable. This structure ensures your statement is clear, concise, and compelling.
- Belief: Start by explaining your core belief related to the behaviour. For example, your commitment to understanding and contributing to broader organizational goals.
- Situation: Describe a specific situation where you needed to see the big picture. Ensure this situation is relevant to the Grade 6 level.
- Task: Outline the task you were responsible for in this context. Emphasize the strategic elements and the broader implications.
- Action: Detail the actions you took to address the situation. Focus on strategic thinking, collaboration with other departments, and your approach to influencing outcomes.
- Result: Conclude with the results of your actions. Highlight how your ability to see the big picture led to positive, impactful outcomes for your organization.
This approach not only helps in structuring your response but also ensures that each aspect of your experience is clearly linked to the desired behaviour.
To illustrate how this structure can bring your statement to life, consider the following example...
Check out 50 example statements covering all 9 key behaviours
250 Word Statement Example
I firmly believe that seeing the big picture is crucial for aligning efforts with larger organizational and national goals, ensuring that our work has a meaningful impact.
As Communications Manager I was tasked with launching a national campaign to raise awareness about plastic pollution. Understanding the broader context of environmental policies and public sentiment was essential.
To ensure our campaign aligned with national priorities and resonated with the public, I began by researching current environmental policies, public attitudes towards plastic use, and ongoing technological developments in recycling. This research provided a solid foundation for our messaging and strategy.
I organized brainstorming sessions with team members from different departments, including policy experts, community outreach coordinators, and digital marketing specialists. These sessions helped us gather diverse perspectives and develop a comprehensive approach.
I communicated our strategy to senior leaders, emphasizing how the campaign supported national environmental goals and aligned with current public sentiment. By highlighting the broader impact of our efforts, I secured their buy-in and necessary resources.
To maximize our reach and effectiveness, we utilized multiple communication channels, including social media, public service announcements, and partnerships with local organizations. I monitored the campaign’s progress and collected feedback from stakeholders to make real-time adjustments.
The campaign was a success, resulting in a 25% increase in public awareness about plastic pollution and a significant boost in community engagement. This experience reinforced my belief in the importance of seeing the big picture and aligning our efforts with broader strategic goals to achieve impactful results.
