About us

Improving performance

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:

Level 1 – Delivering personal performance

Delivering and assessing own performance

  • Consistently deliver a quality service that meets the standards and approaches set for my area of work, for instance mystery shopper requirements
  • Take timely decisions within my area of responsibility, supported by facts and evidence
  • Review my performance to build on successes and identify areas for improvement
  • Update and improve my diversity related knowledge in relation to own area of work

Improving performance continuously

  • Improve my performance by working towards SSMART (stretching, specific, measurable, achievable and agreed, relevant, timely) objectives and learning from colleagues
  • Pay attention to detail to minimise errors
  • Make suggestions to improve team performance
  • Consider a range of approaches when determining how to do things better

Level 2 – Managing performance improvements

Reviewing performance of self and others

  • Agree measurable objectives for others, comprising hard (for example, specific objectives) and soft (for example, knowledge, skills and behaviours) criteria
  • Judge results against critical success factors for example, time, quality and resources invested

Developing performance of self and others

  • Suggest new ways to improve processes including those that have worked well elsewhere
  • Identify, and take prompt action to improve under performance
  • Use benchmarking data and best practice (for instance working principles, practices and examples) to suggest changes to individual's activities and/or procedures
  • Ensure that decisions taken deliver the best possible results
  • Support the introduction of new tools, approaches and practices to improve processes and productivity
  • Promote to staff the service improvements that can be achieved through applying effective diversity practice

Improving performance through effective team working

  • Ensure that diverse views and ideas are explored constructively
  • Recognise and praise individual and collective successes

Level 3 – Leading continuous improvements

Establishing performance standards

  • Set fair and consistent targets which are stretching and achievable
  • Continuously ensure that performance is in line with and builds on set targets

Taking accountability for team performance

  • Take full responsibility for improving the performance of individuals and teams in my area
  • Be held accountable for improving the collective performance of my area

Creating environment for continuous improvement

  • Publicise ideas that lead to significant performance improvements
  • Encourage innovation within operational and risk management requirements
  • Demonstrate how a working understanding of diversity issues helps towards meeting targets and service standards

Other behavioural competencies for Administrative Assistant (AA) to Senior Executive Officer (SEO) careers: