Applying for a civil service position can be a daunting task, especially when faced with the challenge of writing the 250-word statements.
Many candidates find this part of the application process to be the hardest. The pressure to succinctly yet comprehensively convey your skills and experiences can be overwhelming.
However, with a solid understanding of the required behaviours and a structured approach, this perceived weakness can become a significant strength in your application.
Related article: 5 Communicating & Influencing Example Statements
Understanding the Behaviour: Communicating & Influencing at HEO Level
At the Higher Executive Officer (HEO) level, the "Communicating & Influencing" behaviour is about more than just clear communication; it involves persuasion, negotiation, and the ability to build strong working relationships. Here’s what is expected at this level:
- Clarity and Precision: You must be able to convey information and ideas clearly and accurately to ensure your message is understood.
- Persuasion and Negotiation: It’s essential to influence others effectively, persuading them to adopt your point of view or take action. This requires a good understanding of the audience and the ability to present arguments convincingly.
- Building Relationships: Strong interpersonal skills are crucial. You need to build and maintain positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, both within and outside the organization.
- Feedback and Adaptability: Being open to feedback and willing to adapt your communication style to different situations and audiences is key. This demonstrates flexibility and a commitment to continuous improvement.
These expectations build on those at lower levels, where the focus might be more on basic communication and following instructions rather than leading discussions and influencing outcomes.
Crafting Your Statement: The B-STAR Technique
To effectively demonstrate your competency in "Communicating & Influencing" at the HEO level, it’s essential to use a structured approach. The B-STAR technique is highly effective for this purpose. Here’s how you can use it:
- Belief: Start with your core belief or philosophy about communication and influencing. This sets the stage for your statement and shows your understanding of the importance of this behaviour.
- Situation: Describe a specific situation where you had to use your communication and influencing skills. Be concise but detailed enough to provide context.
- Task: Outline the task you were responsible for in that situation. What was your role, and what were you trying to achieve?
- Action: Explain the actions you took to address the task. Focus on how you used your communication and influencing skills. What strategies did you employ? How did you engage with others?
- Result: Conclude with the results of your actions. What was the outcome? How did your communication and influencing make a difference? Try to quantify the results if possible.
Using this structure ensures that your statement is clear, logical, and demonstrates your competency effectively. It allows you to showcase not just what you did, but how and why you did it, providing a comprehensive picture of your skills and experiences.
Check out 50 example statement covering all 9 Civil Service Behaviours
Now, let's take a look at an example statement that follows this structure:
Communicating & Influencing Statement Example
I believe that clear and engaging communication is crucial for effective teamwork and achieving goals. This belief drives me to adapt my communication style to suit different audiences and ensure my messages are understood.
As a Senior Environmental Officer, I was tasked with leading a project to implement a new sustainability initiative across multiple departments. The success of this project relied heavily on clear communication and stakeholder buy-in.
My role required me to articulate the project's purpose and direction clearly and enthusiastically. I started by organizing a kick-off meeting where I presented the initiative's objectives, benefits, and implementation plan. I used visual aids and real-life examples to make the information more relatable and engaging.
Understanding that different stakeholders had varied interests and needs, I tailored my communication approach accordingly. For technical staff, I provided detailed data and analysis to support the initiative.
I also encouraged the use of digital communication tools, such as webinars and collaborative platforms, to facilitate ongoing dialogue and feedback. This not only ensured cost-effectiveness but also allowed for wider participation and input from all departments.
To ensure everyone was on the same page, I regularly shared updates and invited feedback. I made it a point to address concerns respectfully and transparently, fostering an environment of trust and collaboration.
The initiative was successfully implemented, resulting in a 25% reduction in waste and a noticeable boost in team-morale and collaboration. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of clear, enthusiastic, and respectful communication to drive positive change.
