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Engaging Others

Core Competency

Definition

Engaging others is a driver of how we work as part of the GNWT. It is about proactively building networks, connecting with others, understanding and building relationships with many stakeholders, partners, and governments, and collaborating across the GNWT and beyond, in order to achieve the goals and priorities that are important to Northerners.

Why is it Important?

Working in an environment of shifting governance structures and increasing Aboriginal Self-Government means that our world of work is becoming more and more of an inter-connected web of stakeholders, partners, experts and advocates. The complexity of issues that we are dealing with requires input from a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. Therefore, having a wide range of connections and building solid relationships that balance the value of the relationship with the needs of the organization is critically important to finding the best solutions for Northerners. Developing appropriate networks is essential, as expectations are changing and one of the best ways to solve complex problems is through collaboration and consultation. Managing and facilitating these relationships and processes becomes increasingly critical to achieving our goals. By creating opportunities for diverse groups to connect, communicate clearly, and share ideas and perspectives, we will create a consultative, supportive and collaborative environment that is respectful of different perspectives, and that enhances our future role as facilitators. It is in this environment that we will effectively identify creative and sustainable solutions.

Behavioural Scales

1. Builds rapport

  • Works cooperatively and collaboratively with others.
  • Takes a positive outlook about relationships with colleagues and other stakeholders.
  • Builds rapport by establishing areas of common interest and by taking an interest in other’s work-related issues and activities.
  • Develops trusting relationships by following through on commitments, and by demonstrating integrity and respect for others.
  • Maintains contact with individuals and groups for the purpose of building rapport and good working relationships.
  • Understands that relationships are critical to the success of initiatives.
  • Is aware of own impact and impression on others, and seeks to improve to develop rapport with others.

2. Connects with others

  • Invests time to get to know colleagues within and outside of team, and maintains contact with other individuals for the purpose of being able to build relationships.
  • Approaches work tasks in a collaborative manner, seeking input and involvement from relevant others.
  • Makes time to nurture relationships and build rapport and trust.
  • Seeks to understand the perspectives and needs of colleagues, clients and stakeholders.
  • Actively seeks and creates relationship-building opportunities and builds a network of contacts.
  • Builds a network of contacts needed to help achieve goals and objectives.
  • Encourages team members to connect and build relationships with relevant others outside of own work unit to achieve team goals.

3. Makes key contacts and shares information

  • Makes a conscious effort to have informal or casual contacts with a range of colleagues, clients and stakeholders.
  • Identifies key stakeholder contacts in the organization with whom a relationship must be established.
  • Identifies areas for improvement within the department where involvement of external stakeholders would be beneficial.
  • Makes sure the appropriate people have all the necessary information.
  • Solicits ideas and opinions from a range of perspectives and proactively shares appropriate and useful information to help form specific decisions or plans.
  • Promotes collaboration, even in challenging circumstances, within and across groups.

4. Develops effective relationships

  • Communicates regularly with stakeholders as appropriate; sustains the relationship when no specific project is underway.
  • Develops relationships with the intent of achieving effective delivery of relevant services while maintaining a mutually beneficial relationship.
  • Actively seeks input and/or involvement from stakeholders regarding potential changes to organization policies, procedures, or other initiatives.
  • Consults with others when planning or problem solving to gain their perspective on inter-relationships.
  • Looks broadly inside and outside the GNWT Public Service to identify key stakeholders in any issue or project. Actively engages them early in the process, and ensures their voice is heard and concerns are acknowledged throughout the process.
  • Engages others to think broadly about impacts of projects and encourages creative problem solving when bringing differing perspectives together. Challenges them to take action.
  • Anticipates and takes action to mitigate potential conflict to reduce and resolve conflict at the outset, and by encouraging continued, open, two-way communication among all stakeholder groups.

5. Maintains and uses a wide circle of contacts

  • Develops formal and informal relationships with a wide circle of people, beyond those involved in current activities, including colleagues from other areas, stakeholders, partners, and representatives from other relevant agencies and governments.
  • Nurtures existing and potential relationships to help achieve the department's strategic plans.
  • Collaborates with other departments and agencies to solve complex problems.
  • Proactively shares information and resources across areas to better leverage the capabilities of the organization and the GNWT Public Service.
  • Involves key stakeholders in the diagnosis of problems and in developing solutions to effectively transfer knowledge inside and outside the GNWT Public Service.
  • Generates and maintains an environment that encourages looking beyond one’s immediate circle for input and development of new ideas.

6. Builds networks and partnerships

  • Is considered a leader in developing and maintaining effective relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, partners, and other agency and government representatives.
  • Actively seeks out and acts on opportunities to partner with colleagues, stakeholders and relevant others to champion initiatives in support of the well-being of Northerners.
  • Develops partnerships and maintains strategic relationships based on an in-depth knowledge and understanding of each other’s roles and needs.
  • Determines what overall direction the GNWT Public Service should take in forming partnerships with external stakeholders; this includes setting priorities regarding which partnerships should be formed.
  • Identifies where there is overlap in mandates and proactively brings groups together. Actively builds cooperation across stakeholder groups.
  • Promotes sharing of expertise among wide-ranging teams to achieve superior service or results.
  • Collaborates across internal and external GNWT Public Service boundaries to meet common objectives.