Question:
Describe a situation where you used your communication skills to achieve a successful outcome.
Your Answer:
Situation / Introduction
After completing my Mindfulness training at the Oxford Mindfulness Centre I researched, prepared, and delivered a successful presentation to management that convince them to implement mindfulness sessions at the DWP to address stress and improve resilience for colleagues.
Task / Problem
The objective of my presentation was to inform and persuade management of the benefits mindfulness sessions would provide to colleagues and the department as a whole.
Action
I researched using a wide range of sources both online and offline and identified sources to use that best demonstrated the benefits of mindfulness. I then identified the core benefits the sessions would offer being the reduction in workplace stress and improved resilience. I knew from previous experience that management liked visuals so I created the presentation in PowerPoint format that included graphs showing studies that demonstrated mindfulness benefits. I was aware that management was not familiar with mindfulness so I used straight forward language and avoided acronyms so that it was easy for management to understand my points and of course I checked understanding as I went along. The presentation went very well. When done I took a series of questions which i prepared for and I answered very well.
Result
I had very positive feedback from management in terms of the content and my presentation skills. I really enjoyed the experience, I found it challenging but I also realised that my own enthusiasm carried it through. As a result, management agreed to implement the mindfulness sessions, an achievement I am very proud of.
