Writing the 250-word statements for Civil Service exams is often seen as the hardest part of the application process.
Many candidates struggle with expressing their competencies and achievements concisely.
However, with a solid understanding of the behaviour being assessed and a good structure, this perceived weakness can transform into a powerful strength.
Related Article: 5 Seeing the Big Picture Behaviour Statements
Understanding "Seeing the Big Picture" at Grade 7 Level
At Grade 7, the "Seeing the Big Picture" behaviour expects candidates to demonstrate a deep understanding of their role within the wider context of the organization and how their work aligns with broader objectives.
This level requires you to show that you not only grasp the immediate tasks at hand but also comprehend the strategic implications and the long-term impact of your actions.
Unlike lower grades, where the focus might be on understanding and executing tasks effectively, Grade 7 demands a more sophisticated approach.
Here, you need to illustrate how you contribute to overarching goals, consider external influences, and proactively identify opportunities for improvement that align with strategic priorities.
Structuring Your Statement: The B-STAR Technique
To effectively showcase your competency in "Seeing the Big Picture," the B-STAR technique is highly recommended. This structured approach ensures your statement is clear, focused, and compelling.
Belief: Start by explaining your belief or philosophy about the importance of seeing the big picture. This sets the stage for why you approach your work the way you do.
Situation: Describe a specific situation where you needed to demonstrate this behaviour. Be concise but provide enough context to understand the scenario.
Task: Outline the task you were responsible for. This should be directly related to the situation and clearly highlight your role.
Action: Detail the actions you took to address the task. Focus on your thought process, the steps you took, and how you ensured your actions were aligned with broader organizational goals.
Result: Conclude with the results of your actions. Emphasize the impact on the organization, any improvements made, and how your actions demonstrated an understanding of the bigger picture.
By following the B-STAR technique, you can ensure that your 250-word statement is not only well-structured but also effectively demonstrates your capability in "Seeing the Big Picture" at Grade 7 level.
Now, let’s dive into an example statement to see how this technique can be applied in practice...
Check out 50 example statements covering all 9 key behaviours
250 Word Statement Example
I believe that seeing the big picture is essential for ensuring that our work aligns with broader organizational objectives and addresses national priorities effectively.
As a Data Analyst, I was tasked with improving the efficiency of our bus routes to reduce congestion and enhance commuter satisfaction. This project required a comprehensive understanding of urban development trends, commuter behavior, and technological advancements in transportation.
To start, I conducted an in-depth analysis of current bus routes, using data on traffic patterns, passenger load, and demographic changes. I also reviewed city plans and policies to ensure our efforts supported broader urban development goals.
I organized a series of workshops with stakeholders, including city planners, traffic management experts, and representatives from local communities. These workshops allowed us to gather diverse perspectives and identify key areas for improvement.
Communicating our findings and proposed changes to senior leaders was crucial. I prepared detailed reports and presentations, using clear visuals to explain complex data and the rationale behind our recommendations. I emphasized how our plans aligned with the city's long-term goals of reducing traffic congestion and promoting sustainable transportation.
To ensure broad support, I used digital platforms to share updates and gather feedback from the public. This included interactive maps showing proposed changes and online surveys to collect commuter opinions. I monitored the effectiveness of these communications and adjusted our approach based on the feedback received.
The result was a successful reorganization of bus routes, leading to a 15% reduction in travel time and increased commuter satisfaction.
