Navigating the 250-word statement required for Civil Service exams can be a daunting task for many candidates.
This part of the application often feels like the hardest hurdle, mainly because it requires a precise blend of clarity, brevity, and relevance.
However, with a solid understanding of the behavior in question and a robust structure, what might initially seem like a weakness can transform into a powerful demonstration of your suitability for the role.
Related Article: 5 Working Together Example Behaviour Statements
Understanding "Working Together" at Grade 7 Level
When it comes to the "Working Together" behavior at the Grade 7 level, it’s essential to grasp what this entails. At this stage, you are expected to exemplify advanced collaboration skills, demonstrating not just an ability to work with others, but to lead and inspire teamwork within and across teams. This level goes beyond basic cooperation; it involves strategic collaboration that drives organizational goals, fosters an inclusive environment, and leverages diverse perspectives to achieve superior outcomes.
Unlike earlier levels, where the focus might be on simply working well within a team, Grade 7 expects you to facilitate and enhance team performance actively. This means you'll need to show how you bring people together, resolve conflicts, build strong relationships, and create a shared sense of purpose. Your experience should reflect a proactive approach to teamwork, where you’re not just a participant, but a key driver of collaborative success.
Structuring Your Statement: The B-STAR Technique
To effectively convey your "Working Together" behavior in your 250-word statement, the B-STAR technique (Belief, Situation, Task, Action, Result) is an invaluable tool. This method helps you present a comprehensive and concise narrative that highlights your competencies.
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Belief: Start with your core belief about teamwork and collaboration. This sets the stage for your statement and provides insight into your values and approach to working with others.
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Situation: Describe a specific scenario that required you to exemplify the "Working Together" behavior. Ensure the situation is relevant and significant, reflecting the complexity expected at the Grade 7 level.
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Task: Detail the task you were responsible for in this situation. What were the objectives? What was at stake? This part should clearly outline your role and the expectations placed upon you.
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Action: Explain the actions you took to address the task. This is where you demonstrate your proactive and strategic approach to collaboration. Highlight how you facilitated teamwork, resolved conflicts, and brought people together.
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Result: Conclude with the outcomes of your actions. Quantifiable results are best, but qualitative impacts are also valuable. Show how your approach to working together led to positive, tangible outcomes.
Understanding and applying the B-STAR technique can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your 250-word statement. It ensures you cover all essential aspects of the behavior while maintaining a clear and engaging narrative.
Now that you have a solid understanding of the "Working Together" behavior at Grade 7 level and how to structure your statement using the B-STAR technique, let's dive into an example that illustrates these principles in action.
Check out 50 example statements covering all 9 key behaviours
250 Word Statement Example
I believe that working together effectively is key to achieving shared goals and fostering a supportive work environment.
As a Chief Engineer in a construction company, I led a team responsible for a large-scale infrastructure project. The project required close collaboration with architects, subcontractors, city officials, and community stakeholders.
To build a strong network, I initiated regular coordination meetings with all parties involved. These meetings facilitated the sharing of information, resources, and support, helping us stay aligned with the project’s objectives. I made an effort to understand the needs and expertise of each stakeholder, ensuring their input was valued and incorporated into our plans.
I created an inclusive environment by encouraging open communication and actively listening to all team members. During planning sessions, I challenged assumptions and invited alternative viewpoints, fostering a culture of innovation and mutual respect.
Supporting the wellbeing of my team was a priority. I introduced regular check-ins to monitor stress levels and workload, providing additional resources or adjusting schedules as needed. My approachable demeanor made team members feel comfortable bringing up concerns, which we addressed promptly to maintain morale and productivity.
When conflicts arose, I facilitated discussions to find balanced solutions, demonstrating flexibility and a commitment to the project’s success.
The project was completed ahead of schedule and under budget, receiving praise for its innovative design and community impact. This experience reinforced my belief in the importance of collaboration, inclusivity, and genuine care for colleagues in achieving outstanding results.
