When applying for a role in Queensland’s public sector, demonstrating alignment with the Leadership Competencies for Queensland (LC4Q) is essential. Usually, you will be allowed two pages to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
A strong LC4Q application includes three STAR examples – one for each competency. These will need to be written in the context of the role and the key accountabilities. The STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) format allows you to clearly demonstrate your experience and alignment.
Below, we outline how to write a strong 2-page statement, and provide an example for addressing the Vision competency, using the STAR method.
Understanding LC4Q Competencies and Key Accountabilities
The LC4Q framework organises critical leadership behaviors into three core competencies:
- Vision: The ability to set strategic direction and inspire others to follow.
- Results: The drive to achieve tangible outcomes aligned with organisational goals.
- Accountability: A commitment to ethical practice, transparency, and responsibility in achieving results.
These competencies are applied across five leadership streams – Individual Contributor, Team Leader, Program Leader, Executive, and Chief Executive—each representing different levels of responsibility and influence.
Each competency needs to be demonstrated through the key accountabilities outlined in the Position Description for your leadership stream. For example, a Team Leader may focus on developing a vision and achieving results within their team, while a Chief Executive must demonstrate state-wide vision and accountability across a broad organisational landscape.
Step 1: Analyse the Position Description
Read the Position Description closely, paying attention to:
- Leadership stream level (e.g., Team Leader, Program Leader)
- Key Accountabilities specific to the role
- Behavioural expectations for Vision, Results, and Accountability at your stream level
This step will guide you in identifying the types of examples that best match the competencies and key accountabilities.
Step 2: Structure Your Statement with STAR Examples
Using the STAR method, you’ll address each of the three competencies with an example structured as follows:
- Situation: Describe the context.
- Task: Explain the goal or objective.
- Action: Detail the steps you took.
- Result: Highlight the outcomes, showing alignment with Queensland’s leadership values.
Example STAR Response for the ‘Vision’ Competency
Vision
“In my previous role as a Program Manager, I identified a need to enhance community engagement and streamline program delivery across multiple teams. Recognising the importance of a clear, strategic vision to guide these changes, I conducted a thorough analysis of feedback from staff and community partners. Through consultations with team leaders, I reviewed participant satisfaction surveys, program timelines, and stakeholder engagement metrics to understand the broader implications of our current approach on service quality and engagement. This analysis revealed multiple improvement areas and emphasized the need for a collaborative, innovative approach to achieve greater program efficiency.
To drive this vision, I initiated cross-departmental workshops aimed at gathering fresh perspectives and ideas directly from staff at all levels. I positioned these workshops within the larger organisational strategy, articulating how increased engagement and efficiency would help us meet long-term community needs and align with our overarching goals. By fostering an open and safe environment, I encouraged diverse perspectives, which led to innovative solutions that were tested and refined in real-time. For instance, one team proposed an early adoption of a digital tracking tool for program delivery, which was subsequently piloted to great success, improving real-time communication and reducing delays.
These workshops, coupled with regular feedback channels, resulted in a 20% increase in participant satisfaction and a two-week reduction in program delivery time. This outcome was possible due to my focus on continuously refining program priorities based on stakeholder feedback, demonstrating my forward-looking approach. My decision-making was guided by a broad perspective, as I integrated data insights and community feedback, while actively engaging partners as contributors to our program’s success.
Throughout this process, I acted as a stabilising influence, championing resilience among teams as we navigated complex changes. I supported team members to stay focused on the program’s purpose, inspiring optimism and overcoming resistance by clearly communicating the intended outcomes and benefits of each change.
Final Tips for Your LC4Q Statement
- Be concise but descriptive in each STAR example.
- Highlight measurable outcomes to provide tangible evidence of your effectiveness.
- Use active language to convey confidence and leadership.
A well-structured LC4Q statement with three STAR examples—one for each competency – will clearly demonstrate your alignment with Queensland’s competencies of Vision, Results, and Accountability. By aligning your experiences with key accountabilities and the leadership stream requirements, you’ll create a strong case for your suitability for the role.
Need help developing your application? Please contact us for a quote.
