Interpersonal savvy

Question 1

Merger

Answer 1

SLT with strongly divergent views, challenging but supportive role; GMS to feel impact, engaged and empowered with strong performance management; disinterested colleagues, gave challenge and space. [Test: what workstreams might these be? Innovation? Processes? Skills and development? Project management?]

Question 2

Correspondence

Answer 2

Needed large numbers of volunteers to do unstimulating work for no real reward. Getting our board down to write Ministerial correspondence really boosted morale and turnout. Basically turned the project around. I knew it was needed, convinced senior management, made the arrangements and spread the word.

Question 3

Staff survey

Answer 3

Volunteers group - recruiting, creating space for them to shine, designing developmental opportunities for them.

Question 4

Asset Protection Scheme

Answer 4

Developed into a “hub” - needed to build relationships all around the department as well as with advisors/consultants/banks. As one of the only people to have been there from the beginning (and certainly the most approachable), I became the “go-to” person, connecting people, keeping people informed (ended up “being” internal comms and internal team “barometer”). Worked at all levels with people across all functions, coaching role to those closest to me.

Question 5

Coaching network

Answer 5

Created what has acted like an action-learning set. Strong, trust-based relationships with peers around the Department - with the network “passing it on” for future cohorts

Question 6

Managing a large team

Answer 6

APS/coordination

Question 7

Role on GMT generally

Answer 7

Challenge function on our senior leadership team

Question 8

Fraud Review

Answer 8

Using relationships (as well as evidence and business case) to get AG’s office to pay for Fraud Review (50%, plus “hosting”)

Question 9

Charity review

Answer 9

Working with HO colleagues, became clear that they were details focused and struggled to move forward without someone setting up a framework for them to work within. I took strategic leadership role.

Question 10

Adjectives

Answer 10

• Asks the difficult questions, addresses the elephant in the room
• Gives others scope and freedom to act
• Understands and uses the informal network to get things done