Preparing for Civil Service exams can be daunting, particularly when it comes to crafting the perfect 250-word statements.
Many candidates find this aspect the hardest part of their application.
However, with a solid understanding of the required behaviours and a structured approach, what initially seems like a weakness can be transformed into a significant strength.
Related Article: 5 Working Together Example Behaviour Statements
What "Working Together" Means at Grade 6 Level
At the Grade 6 level, the "Working Together" behaviour is about more than just cooperation. It emphasizes leading collaborative efforts, fostering inclusive environments, and driving team success. Candidates are expected to demonstrate a higher level of responsibility, showing how they bring together diverse groups to achieve common goals. This involves:
- Leadership in Collaboration: Taking the initiative to lead and guide collaborative efforts.
- Inclusive Practices: Ensuring that all team members feel valued and heard.
- Strategic Vision: Aligning team activities with broader organizational goals.
- Conflict Resolution: Addressing and resolving conflicts effectively to maintain team harmony.
At this level, it's not just about working well with others but actively enhancing the team's performance and driving collective success.
Statement Structure
To effectively showcase your "Working Together" behaviour, the B-STAR technique is invaluable. This structured approach ensures your statement is clear, concise, and impactful.
Belief
Begin by stating your belief or principle regarding working together. This sets the stage and provides context for your actions and decisions.
Situation
Describe a specific situation where you had to employ your collaborative skills. Keep this brief but provide enough detail to set the scene.
Task
Outline the task or challenge you faced. What needed to be accomplished? What were the expectations and goals?
Action
Detail the actions you took to address the task. Focus on how you led the collaboration, encouraged inclusive practices, aligned with strategic goals, and resolved any conflicts.
Result
Conclude with the results of your actions. Quantify your success if possible and reflect on how your approach benefited the team and the organization.
By following this structure, you ensure that your statement is well-organized and highlights your competencies effectively.
Check out 50 example statements covering all 9 key behaviours
250 Word Statement Example
I believe that working together effectively is crucial for achieving shared objectives and fostering a positive work environment.
As a Senior Project Coordinator I led a multidisciplinary team to launch a new community health initiative. This project required collaboration with various internal departments and external stakeholders.
To start, I actively built a network of contacts by organizing regular meetings and networking events. These interactions helped establish strong relationships and open lines of communication. I made it a priority to understand the diverse backgrounds and expertise of each team member and stakeholder, ensuring that their experiences were utilized effectively.
I fostered an inclusive working environment by encouraging open dialogue and actively listening to all opinions. During team meetings, I challenged assumptions and invited alternative perspectives, creating a space where everyone felt valued and heard. This approach helped us identify innovative solutions and avoid potential pitfalls.
Recognizing the importance of wellbeing, I implemented regular check-ins to ensure that team members were supported both professionally and personally. I remained approachable and available, providing guidance and support whenever needed.
When conflicts arose, I facilitated discussions to find mutually beneficial compromises, always keeping the project’s objectives in focus. By showing flexibility and a willingness to adapt, we were able to maintain progress and keep the team motivated.
The initiative successfully launched on time, resulting in a 30% increase in community engagement and improved health outcomes. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of collaboration, inclusivity, and genuine care for colleagues to achieve successful outcomes.