What does it mean to see the big picture?

It means understanding how your role fits and supports the objectives of the organization. Getting to know broader priorities and ensuring that your work supports broader objectives.

It simply means being able to see beyond their own roles and tasks.

Be aware of how your activities are part of the performance of your team, your department and the organization.

You can see how you and your role match broader Departmental goals and objectives.

You understand how what you do in your daily life helps your department meet its objectives and how its function helps your boss achieve his broader objectives as an organization.

For high-level positions, it is about strategically realizing what is happening both inside and outside, taking into account the wider impact and opportunities to implement policies and processes that add value and growth.

For all staff, it is about focusing on achieving organizational objectives in the most effective and efficient way possible.

How can I demonstrate this competency? 

Instead of focusing on individual tasks, the big picture focus is on the overall objective. 

Ask yourself how what you do supports public needs, how your contribution helps the organization meet those goals and how your work fits the wider context.

Here are some practical ways to apply it to your work.

Those who see the big picture look for ways to be more efficient, save time and / or resources, and prioritize the work that helps drive advanced organizations.

This behavior also involves finding and absorbing all the knowledge that is relevant to your field. This is important because it allows you to stay informed about emerging problems that may have an impact on your work.

Depending on the level of position and the type of function you are requesting, you are expected to follow technological, economic, social, political or environmental developments.

Any knowledge you gain must also be shared so that other people can benefit from your experience.

Plans and activities in your department should always be aligned with a broader strategy.

You should know and fully understand the strategies used in your area to be able to assess how effective the activities and strategies are, and provide feedback and ideas to improve senior leaders.

The situations you talk about should be beyond individual tasks and more if they achieve taking the team to it’s wider goal.

Questions to Expect in Your Interview.

Application forms and interviews give you the opportunity to show your skills in this field and you will be asked to provide examples of where you have demonstrated seeing the big picture. 

Likely Questions at Interview for this Competency are:

• Tell me about the time when you collaborated with other departments to produce positive results.

• Talk to us through examples that show your understanding of how your current role matches the overall goals of the Department.

• Give me an example when you have to make changes in your work area. How do you make sure it is in accordance with the strategic direction of the Department or your area of ​​business?

As always use the STAR formula in your application and Interview answers and you will be on the path to success.