Research and Analysis
… is gathering intelligence (information, opinion and data) from varied sources, making sense of it, testing its validity and drawing conclusions that can lead to practical benefits.
Level 3 indicators:
- Expands networks to gain new information sources for research and policy development
- Identifies and implements methods to ensure intelligence is of a high quality
- Encourages others to analyse data from different angles, using multiple perspectives to identify connections and new insights
- Tailors research investment in line with likely impact for Londoners and policy priorities
- Retains a bigger picture view, ensuring research recommendations are appropriate and practical for the GLA and its stakeholders
Problem solving
… is analysing and interpreting situations from a variety of viewpoints and finding creative, workable and timely solutions.
Level 3 indicators:
- Clarifies ambiguous problems, questioning assumptions to reach a fuller understanding
- Actively challenges the status quo to find new ways of doing things, looking for good practice
- Seeks and incorporates diverse perspectives to help produce workable strategies to address complex issues
- Initiates consultation on opportunities to improve work processes
- Supports the organisation to implement innovative suggestions
Stakeholder Focus
… is consulting with, listening to and understanding the needs of those our work impacts and using this knowledge to shape what we do and manage others’ expectations.
Level 3 indicators:
- Understands diverse stakeholder needs and tailors team deliverables accordingly
- Is a role model to others, encouraging them to think of Londoners first
- Manages stakeholder expectations, so they are high but realistic
- Removes barriers to understanding the needs of diverse stakeholders, including hard to reach groups
Focuses own and team’s efforts on delivering a quality and committed service
Communicating and Influencing
… is presenting information and arguments clearly and convincingly so that others see us as credible and articulate, and engage with us.
Level 3 indicators
- Encourages and supports teams in engaging in transparent and inclusive communication
- Influences others and gains buy-in using compelling, well thought through arguments
- Negotiates effectively to deliver GLA priorities
- Synthesises the complex viewpoints of others, recognises where compromise is necessary and brokers agreement
- Advocates positively for the GLA both within and outside the organisation
Strategic thinking
…is using an understanding of the bigger picture to uncover potential challenges and opportunities for the long term and turning these into a compelling vision for action.
Level 2 indicators:
- Works with a view to the future, prioritising own and others’ work in line with GLA objectives
- Briefs and prepares team to accomplish goals and objectives
- Communicates the GLA’s strategic priorities in a compelling and convincing manner, encouraging buy-in
- Balances own team’s needs with wider organisational needs
- Identifies synergies between team priorities and other relevant agendas
Planning and organising
… is thinking ahead, managing time, priorities and risk, and developing structured and efficient approaches to deliver work on time and to a high standard.
Level 2 indicators:
- Prioritises work in line with key team or project deliverables
- Makes contingency plans to account for changing work priorities, deadlines and milestones
- Identifies and consults with sponsors or stakeholders in planning work
- Pays close attention to detail, ensuring team’s work is delivered to a high standard
- Negotiates realistic timescales for work delivery, ensuring team deliverables can be met
Building and managing relationships
… is developing rapport and working effectively with a diverse range of people, sharing knowledge and skills to deliver shared goals.
Level 2 indicators:
- Develops new professional relationships
- Understands the needs of others, the constraints they face and the levers to their engagement
- Understands differences, anticipates areas of conflict and takes action
- Fosters an environment where others feel respected
- Identifies opportunities for joint working to minimise duplication and deliver shared goals
The GLA Competency Framework Guidelines further detailing each competency and the different level indicators can be found here: GLA Competency Framework
