Building constructive working relationships
This competency applies to AA (Administrative Assistant), AO (Administratiive Officer), EO (Executive Officer), HEO (Higher Executive Officer) and SEO (Senior Executive Officer) careers.
There are three levels for this competency. The job description will tell you which levels apply to that job. Each competency level builds on the previous one:
- if the job description specifies Level 2, you will need to demonstrate evidence of the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for both Levels 1 and 2
- if the job description specifies Level 3, you will need to demonstrate evidence of the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for Levels 1, 2 and 3.
Level 1 – Working with others
Communicating effectively
- Be honest and open at all times
- Adapt my communication style (for example verbal, written, face-face) to build relationships with others who may work differently
- Present my views in a clear and concise way, building on the views of others
Working effectively with others
- Provide constructive and timely input and feedback when working with others
- Actively listen to allow others to fully present their views
- Seek and respond appropriately to the diverse views, concerns and feelings of others
Contributing to team performance improvement
- Support my manager and team members to achieve team objectives
- Promptly resolve issues that affect delivery outcomes
- Challenge behaviour that negatively affects joint working or team performance
Level 2 – Managing teams and relationships
Managing the team and others
- Create an inclusive working environment where people of different backgrounds, circumstances and experiences feel comfortable, contribute to team performance and have the confidence to develop their skills
- Clarify roles, contribution and accountabilities of all parties
- Deliver bad news and unpopular decisions in a timely and sensitive manner and, where possible, face to face
Managing stakeholder expectations
- Identify key internal and external stakeholders to deliver objectives
- Address partnership working issues, resolving conflicts appropriately
Working collaboratively across teams
- Develop mutually supportive internal and external networks
- Regularly communicate progress towards shared delivery objectives with colleagues, partners and relevant stakeholders
- Use negotiation skills and influencing strategies to facilitate mutually beneficial outcomes
- Encourage staff to be aware of, and to respond appropriately to, diversity related issues, and ‘lead from the front’ by treating all staff in a way that reflects sensitivity to diversity issues
Level 3 – Building collaborative working
Establishing the environment for collaborative working
- Create opportunities for collaborative working relationships across government departments and the private and voluntary sectors to help achieve DWP's overarching aims
- Develop communication strategies to enhance stakeholder management
Improving effectiveness of collaborative working
- Monitor the impact of communications, taking action where required
- Seek to identify what will, and who can improve the effectiveness of relationships
- Influence and work through others to deliver results
- Promote to staff the benefits of having a diverse workforce and of working in inclusive, supportive teams
Enhancing relationships with stakeholders
- Assess the benefits of DWP relationships with partners and other organisations
- Have a positive personal impact and influence with a wide range of stakeholders
- Promote the benefits and lessons learned from partnership relationships
Other behavioural competencies for Administrative Assistant (AA) to Senior Executive Officer (SEO) careers: