FAS Foreign Service Professional Competencies | Communication/Collaboration Skills - FAS Vice President

Communication/Collaboration Skills

Sub-skills Level I (FS-04/03) Level II (FS-02/01) Level III (SFS)

Oral and Interpersonal Communication Speaks in a concise, organized, effective and culturally appropriate manner, tailored to the audience and the situation; develops effective listening, questioning and feedback skills; effective at oral presentations (e.g. establishes credibility by demonstrating a knowledge of the subject, audience, and the situational and cultural context in which the message is delivered); speaks convincingly in individual discussions and in groups, including groups of individual of diverse backgrounds and cultures. Communicates complex ideas successfully, articulates policy goals persuasively; speaks persuasively to all audiences; exhibits effective listening, questioning and feedback skills; facilitates an open exchange of ideas; keeps employees and team members informed and seeks feedback from staff on what’s working and not working; makes effective public presentations; understands and supports the need for a high degree of organizational communication. Skilled at listening and sending clear, convincing and well-tuned messages. Effectively communicates vision, expectations and how results will be achieved to employees and stakeholders; listens to employees and stakeholders and analyzes their feedback to identify their needs and expectations; encourages dialogue and debate within the agency and between program areas; effectively argues, negotiates and defends complex policy issues; communicates effectively and deals comfortably with the media and senior levels of government and society; puts internal structures/policies in place to ensure enhanced internal communication.

Influencing/
Negotiating Learns to influence others; gains cooperation while showing, in the spirit of mutual respect, understanding of others’ positions; exerts influence derived from personal credibility rather than positional authority. Influences others deftly; develops alliances with others; finds common ground among disparate forces and builds consensus; facilitates win-win situations; uses personal influence with others to achieve organizational goals. Negotiates effectively on a wide range of issues in internal, bilateral, and multilateral environments; wields a range of persuasive tactics to influence others.

Written Communication Writes succinctly in a clear, convincing and organized manner; produces written materials within established deadlines that are thorough and factually accurate; obtains necessary clearances. Writes persuasively; ensures that policy and operational issues are articulated in ways most helpful to decision-makers; edits others’ texts judiciously; assists staff to develop effective writing skills. Exhibits full mastery of written communication; demonstrates sophisticated ability to analyze, synthesize, and advocate in writing.

Networking/
Representation Establishes and maintains purposeful and productive networks outside of work unit; interacts effectively in official and social encounters. Identifies and cultivates key individuals and institutions; advances U.S. interests through hosting and attending representational events and effectively utilizing contact network. Effective at building relationships and utilizing them to achieve desired results; moves with ease at all social settings and levels.

Partnering/
Collaboration Identifies internal and external stakeholders and draws them into dialogue to achieve desired outcomes; collaborates across functional areas to achieve organizational efficiencies. Collaborates across organizational boundaries to achieve organizational efficiencies; develops and strengthens partnerships with external groups (e.g. other agencies or firms, foreign, state and local governments, Congress, and clientele groups) to enhance USDA programs and services; directs staff to engage in collaborative approaches to work that emphasize achievement of rapid results and desired outcomes. Fosters collaboration within the agency and with stakeholders; guides and ensures development of productive partnerships that facilitate attainment of organizational goals and objectives.