A very effective way to develop a winning answer is to break it down into parts. This not only makes it easier to remember, but also ensures that the content has the right depth. These sweeping responses help distinguish between average and amazing. The following is a sample response on ethics and is divided into five simple parts.
THE HOOK:
(Gets the panel’s attention; a unique start to an answer)
“Ethics encompasses correct and good behaviour, and as the foundation of our integrity, principles and values, I personally believe that ethics is a key component of police professionalism.
THE NUCLEUS:
(The main body of the response; defines and describes the information needed)
Ethics is made up of a combination of personal and professional standards. These standards consist of morals, values, honesty, integrity, courage, principles, character, and honor. It is these standards or the lack of them that allow officers, through their decisions and behavior, to succeed or fail. A common byproduct of strong ethical standards is great leadership. As a supervisor, my ethical standards will be closely watched and modeled. My goal as a supervisor is to ensure that through my standards, my actions are integrally integrated with those of my organization, and as a leader, they will engender these same qualities and successes in those who report to me.
PRAYER OF CAUTION:
(Brings the full focus of the panel to what he is about to say next)
As lieutenants, I’m sure you’ll agree that…
DERIVATION:
(Expands on your answer; brings up side issues; represents seeing the big picture)
Supervisors who uphold and model strong ethics will serve to decrease mediocrity while increasing performance. Part of the value of my supervision will be in my ability to transform the concept of ethics into a reality and in training my officers to make good decisions. By doing this, my actions will help protect my staff from internal or external complaints, enhance their professional image in public perception, and protect my organization from exposure to potential liability.
CLOSED:
(Prevents an abrupt stop; provides a smooth transition to the end of your response)
Finally, having learned many lessons from the last fifteen years, perhaps one of the most difficult periods for law enforcement in recent history, ethics have never been as critical as they are today and will always be at the core of my leadership.”
This response is 261 words long and would take 60-90 seconds to render. Please compare this answer to your competitors, most of whom usually start and end their answer with just the middle part of the answer shown above. The difference, especially when expressed verbally, is like night and day. try well!!
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