Preparing for the Civil Service exams can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to writing the 250-word statements.
Many candidates find these statements to be the most challenging part of the application process.
However, with a solid understanding of the required behaviours and a structured approach, what initially seems like a weakness can be transformed into a strength.
Related article: 5 Communicating & Influencing Behaviour Statement Examples
Understanding "Communicating & Influencing" at Grade 6
At Grade 6, the "Communicating & Influencing" behaviour is about demonstrating advanced skills in effectively communicating with, and influencing, a wide range of stakeholders. This includes not just conveying information clearly and persuasively but also listening actively and adjusting your communication style to suit the audience.
At this level, you are expected to lead discussions, present complex information in an accessible manner, and negotiate successfully to achieve beneficial outcomes. This is a step up from previous levels, where the focus might have been more on clear communication and basic persuasion. Now, the emphasis is on strategic influence and leadership in communication, often in high-stakes or complex environments.
Statement Structure: The B-STAR Technique
To craft a compelling 250-word statement for "Communicating & Influencing" at Grade 6, using the B-STAR technique can be incredibly effective. Here’s how you can structure your statement:
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Belief: Start by outlining your core belief or philosophy about the importance of communication and influence in achieving goals. This sets the context and demonstrates your mindset.
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Situation: Describe a specific scenario that required you to utilize your communication and influencing skills. Ensure it’s relevant and showcases the complexity expected at Grade 6.
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Task: Clearly define your role and the objectives you needed to achieve within this situation. Highlight any challenges that made the task particularly demanding.
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Action: Detail the actions you took to communicate and influence effectively. This should include the strategies you used, how you tailored your communication to your audience, and any innovative approaches you employed.
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Result: Conclude with the outcome of your actions. Emphasize the positive impact, whether it was resolving a conflict, achieving a strategic goal, or securing stakeholder buy-in. Quantify the results where possible to add credibility and impact.
Check out 50 Example Statements covering all 9 Key Behaviours
Now, let's move on to the example statement that illustrates how these principles and the B-STAR technique come together in practice.
Communicating & Influencing 250 Word Statement Example
I strongly believe that effective communication and the ability to influence are vital for building trust and driving successful outcomes.
As a Human Resources Director, I faced the challenge of implementing a new performance evaluation system. Employees were apprehensive about the change, fearing it might be used unfairly or disrupt their work routines.
To address these concerns, I began by clearly communicating the purpose and benefits of the new system. I organized some town hall meetings where I explained the system in simple, relatable terms, highlighting how it would provide clearer career development paths and more consistent feedback.
During these meetings, I made sure to listen attentively to employees’ concerns, showing respect for their opinions. I addressed their questions with honesty and transparency, using specific examples to demonstrate how the system would work in their favor.
Recognizing that different employees have different needs, I provided multiple channels for feedback, including anonymous surveys and one-on-one meetings.
To ensure everyone was on board, I introduced training sessions and digital resources, like instructional videos and FAQs, to help employees understand and navigate the new system. I monitored the effectiveness of these communications through regular feedback loops and adjusted our strategy as needed to improve clarity and trust.
The result was a smooth transition to the new evaluation system, with a 70% approval rating from employees within three months. This experience reinforced my belief in the importance of clear, honest communication and the power of influence in fostering a positive and cooperative work environment.
