Personal Narrative 3: Interpersonal skills

Interpersonal skills. In the Foreign Service, you will be asked to interact effectively and diplomatically with people in difficult situations. Describe how you have used your interpersonal skills in a specific situation to resolve a problem or achieve a goal. Include the following elements in your response: identity the goal or problem, and the specific steps you took. What was the result?

In 2011, I deployed to Afghanistan and was put in charge of 50 U.S. soldiers under an Australian Defence Forces commander. The detachment consisted of four squads from four different companies in two separate battalions, so I had no linear authority over most of the detachment.

Given the weak matrix organizational structure, I established ground rules for the team when I met with the squad leaders. I explained that I was not there to directly supervise, but to help solve whatever problems they might have. This approach set a cooperative tone for the effort, and proved essential in a critical situation.

One day, a rocket attack hit one of the housing units. In accordance with protocols, we collected the personnel accountability reports and forwarded them to the higher battalions.

Though no one was injured, being in the housing unit qualified the six soldiers inside for a Combat Action Badge, so I began the paperwork for submission to that element's company headquarters. I photographed the damage to the housing unit, collected sworn statements from the individuals affected, and submitted the relevant forms. Those six soldiers received their due recognition by the end of their deployments.

This correct application of interpersonal skills proved key to the unit's success.