As I look to progress to the next level in my career, I've made a conscious commitment to fully engage with all 4 of the council's core values. To be considered for the next role, I recognised the importance of understanding the council's strategic direction and aligning my personal and professional development accordingly.
I began by taking each value in turn, reflecting on its significance to me personally, to my team, and to our wider department. I then identified practical actions I could take to demonstrate each value and considered the impact this would have on those around me.
One value I focused on in depth was 'empowered', as I believe it is essential for building a trusting and supportive work environment -one where everyone feels valued, motivated, and able to contribute their best.
To embody this value personally and develop my team, I've committed to the following actions:
- Fostering a feedback-driven culture: I will create an environment where open communication, mutual respect, and continuous improvement are at the core. This includes encouraging constructive feedback at all levels - within our service and across the council.
- Empowering through trust and clarity: I will set clear direction and delegate responsibility in a way that demonstrates trust. I'll ensure that team members have the resources, autonomy, and support needed to take initiative and grow in their roles.
- Encouraging learning from experience: I will promote a team culture that values learning from both successes and setbacks, helping us become more adaptable and resilient problem-solvers.
- Championing recognition: I will lead by example in recognising and celebrating achievements across the team and organisation, reinforcing a culture where everyone feels appreciated and inspired to succeed.
Engaging with the behaviour framework has helped me clarify both where I want to go and how I'll get there. My advice to others would be take the time to focus not only on your own development but also on the growth of your team. Personal and professional development go hand in hand, and a values-led approach can guide and accelerate that journey.