Organisation: Australian Public Service: Health Support and Business Services
Job Title: Australian Public Service: Health Support and Business Services
Word Limit: 250 words per criteria
Location: NSW
Provide support to their leadership groups by managing a team of officers in their day-to-day operations
– Supports shared purpose and direction
In my role as Team Leader with Capital Finance, I was responsible for the management of a team of twelve people. In all aspects of my role, I led by example, showing respect for the team and employing a collaborative approach in working toward the team vision. I created a team dynamic that was flexible and supportive, so team members genuinely enjoyed working toward the common goal, knowing that I was also supportive of their personal goals. The business hours were 8am – 6pm. As such, I needed two teams to cover an early start and a later finish. I allowed the team to express their preferences for work hours within the constraints of business hours, which facilitated greater job satisfaction.
Understanding that my team members were motivated differently, I got to know each one and their goals. Where team members expressed an interest in career progression, I supported their goals by providing opportunity for them to pursue professional development and mentoring. I also held monthly meetings where we celebrated successes. By integrating a reward and recognition approach, the team was inspired and key performance indicators were consistently met. In addition to this, any concerns were able to be addressed quickly & positively.
Effectively managing my team, providing regular written reports on team and individual performance, and providing support to other teams when we were already exceeding KPIs, meant I was effective in supporting the leadership group as they could be confident the teams were working together toward organisational objectives.
- Achieves results and supports strategic direction
– Identifies and uses resources wisely
– Responds positively to change
– Takes responsibility for managing work projects to achieve results
In my role as Team Leader at Capital Finance I consistently demonstrated the ability to achieve results, effectively managing resources to support strategic direction. In this role I was primarily managing human resources. To ensure I had sufficient staff to meet requirements each day, I established a leave roster to limit the impact to the team. It was not always possible to predict issues such as illness that might impact, so I worked with both my email-based team and the phone-based teams to ensure cross training mitigated any potential short-fall.
I embrace change, as it is important for moving forward. I also understand that some people find change hard to accept, and show empathy and reassurance to those team members to support them through a challenging time. When Capital Finance was bought out by St George. Many people were concerned about what would happen to their jobs with a change of owner. As a Manager, I utilised my high energy, positive approach to work with staff to see the positive opportunities that this change was creating.
I view my department as though it is my own business, and apply these standards to seeing results achieved. When working toward becoming a paperless department, I worked collaboratively with the team, acknowledging that others might have some fresh ideas. As a result, a system was established whereby generally any documents requested were emailed, unless specifically requested in hard copy, which significantly decreased the use of paper.
- Supports productive working relationships/communicates with influence
– Nurtures internal and external relationships
– Values individual differences and diversity
– Communicates clearly
– Listens, understands and adapts to audience
– Negotiates confidently
As a team leader, I endeavour to create a working environment in which team members are respected, facilitating a dynamic that is easy to influence toward positive change. To do this, I consider the short and long term goals of individuals and support them in their endeavours. In being supportive wherever possible, I establish a relationship such that when I am unable to help for any reason, that decision is respected because they know that I would if I could. I nurture positive working relationships with external stakeholders, both in other departments and external to the organisation. Working with car dealers meant it was particularly busy at end of financial year, making keeping to normal timeframes challenging. Through excellent communication, and drawing on strong inter-department relationships, I ensured client expectations continued to be met.
I was also responsible to ensure the team worked together effectively; however, I had two team members whose personalities clashed. They were often comparing and trying to show themselves to be the better team member, which was impacting the team culture and productivity, so I had a conversation with each of them. I explained the impact of their behaviour, pointing out that if they did not focus on their own work it would potentially impact bonuses or rewards. In an effort to assist them to improve their own productivity, I created some physical distance between their work spaces and I was able to assist them to work toward a common goal with dignity.
- Displays personal drive and integrity
– Demonstrates professionalism and probity
– Promotes and adopts a positive and balanced approach to work
– Demonstrates self-awareness and a commitment to personal development
Throughout my career I have demonstrated high level personal drive and integrity, both as a team member and as a leader. I am a strong believer in leading by example. As a result, I maintain the same high standard I set for my team. I am punctual and transparent in all my dealings, and this has developed a team culture of honesty, respect and transparency. My approach to both work and life is with a positive attitude, and I am highly self-motivated. Understanding that each team member has a different motivation in their work, I respect and value each individual, and endeavour to support them in what they need to maintain balance in their life.
My commitment to continued personal and professional development is evidenced in my pursuit of learning opportunities when available. These are detailed in my resume, and facilitate maintaining currency in my role, as well as progression in skills. I am passionate about learning and developing the skills and experience needed to pursue continued progression. In addition to this, I support my team in the pursuit of personal and professional development, including cross training. I work with individual team members to develop a development plan, and provide one-on-one mentoring or opportunities to experience different parts of the business so they can explore what direction they wish to pursue when such opportunities become available. This has established a team culture of continuous improvement and allowed each team member to feel valued and respected.
