Civil Service Strengths List and Definitions

A to D

Adaptable: You can adjust to changes in work or environment without losing effectiveness. You are flexible, versatile and positive about change.

Analytical: You seek and analyse information so that your decisions are based on the best available evidence.

Authentic: You are self-aware and true to yourself in different situations, including when you are under pressure.

Catalyst: You are motivated to act towards a goal and are comfortable using your own initiative to move actions forward.

Challenger: You bring a fresh perspective, consider different viewpoints and recognise that situations can be viewed from several angles.

Change Agent: You are positive and encouraging when leading or supporting other people through change.

Confident: You take charge of situations, people and decisions, communicate with confidence and provide clear direction.

Courageous: You try new approaches and are willing to work outside your comfort zone when this can produce a better outcome.

Decisive: You use judgement and take a considered approach when making decisions.

Disciplined: You work effectively within processes, standards, rules and guidelines.

E to I

Efficient: You turn available resources into results in a cost-effective and productive way.

Emotionally Intelligent: You use insight into your own emotions and those of other people to respond with empathy.

Enabler: You recognise potential in other people and encourage them to learn, progress and develop.

Explainer: You communicate ideas clearly, simplify complexity and adapt your approach so that other people can understand.

Focused: You aim for high-quality outcomes and pursue excellence in what you do.

Inclusive: You treat people fairly, recognise individual differences and create opportunities for others to contribute.

Influencer: You explain your reasoning clearly and gain agreement from other people.

Improver: You enjoy finding better ways of working and developing new or original ideas.

Learner: You are inquisitive, seek new information and look for ways to develop yourself.

L to P

Mediator: You help teams find common ground, maintain cohesion and work towards a shared goal.

Mission: You are motivated by work that gives you meaning and contributes to a longer-term goal.

Motivator: You are highly driven and encourage other people to make progress and take action.

Negotiator: You support constructive discussion and help different parties reach an agreement.

Networker: You build positive professional relationships, identify useful connections and bring people together.

Organiser: You make plans, prepare well and seek to maximise time and productivity.

Precise: You pay close attention to detail and work to keep information accurate and error free.

Preventer: You think ahead to identify and address risks or problems before they happen.

Problem Solver: You take a positive approach to problems and identify practical solutions.

R to V

Relationship Builder: You establish mutual respect and trust and build lasting relationships with other people.

Resilient: You remain composed, recover from setbacks and learn from difficult experiences.

Responsible: You take ownership of your decisions and hold yourself accountable for what you have promised.

Service Focused: You look for ways to serve customers and place their needs at the centre of your work.

Strategic: You consider the wider picture and the longer-term implications of decisions.

Team Leader: You lead teams confidently, manage team dynamics and create a shared sense of purpose.

Team Player: You work well with others and help the team pull together effectively.

Visionary: You create and share a clear picture of the future.