bullet statements with impact
DESCRIPTION
Bullet Statements with Impact. Importance of Effective Bullets What is a Bullet Statement? Writing Effective Bullets Examples. OVERVIEW. Impact on Careers Primary Use. Importance of Effective Bullets. Impact on Careers. Quarterly/Annual Awards Performance Reports - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Bullet Statements with Impact
OVERVIEW
1. Importance of Effective Bullets
2. What is a Bullet Statement?
3. Writing Effective Bullets
4. Examples
Importance of Effective Bullets
Impact on Careers
Primary Use
Impact on Careers
Quarterly/Annual Awards Performance Reports EPRs, OPRs, Civilian Appraisals (CAs) Regular Promotions Early Promotions--STEP/BTZ Meaningful Decorations
You…during trainingYou…for your OPRYou…as a supervisorOthers in the EPR/OPR/CA
writing process
Primary Use
What is a Bullet Statement?
Definition: “bullet” Elements of an A-I Bullet Example
Brief “bottom line” of an idea Talking papers
Accomplishment (action) + impact EPRs, OPRs, CAs, Award packages
(Form 1206)
Definition: “Bullet”
Note: Bullet statements are usually descriptive phrases
Single idea bullet
Accomplishment-impact bullet
Elements of an A-I Bullet
Accomplishment: (1st element) What did the person do?
(performance, leadership, & mgmt) How well did the person do it? What was the result?
(resources, effectiveness, efficiency)
Ex:
- Restored 40 damaged/missing elements on six antennas in three days using decommissioned parts; saved $3479
Elements of an A-I Bullet
Impact: (2nd element)
What level was impacted? (unit, wing, base, AF)
Why was accomplishment important?
Ex: -- Sharply improved voice clarity for 30 Atlantic
Gateway Antenna System operators covering US and Europe
Ex: Complete A-I Bullet - Restored 40 damaged/missing elements on 6 antennas in three days using
decommissioned parts; saved $3479 -- Sharply improved voice clarity of 30 Atlantic Gateway Antenna System operators covering US and Europe
What did the person do? How well did the person do it? What was the result? What level was impacted? Why was accomplishment important? So What?
Each bullet must answer these
questions!
Ex: Complete Bullet“Short Version”
- Successfully restored 40 damaged elements on 6 antennas in three days -- Sharply improved voice clarity of 30 system operators and saved $3479
using decommissioned parts Atlantic Gateway Antenna covering US and Europe
Minimum requirements for a short version bullet statement: Accomplishment Impact
Ex: Complete Bullet“Shorter Version”
- Restored 6 antennas in three days, improved voice clarity; saved $3,479
using decommissioned parts Atlantic Gateway Antenna covering US and Europe Successfully 40 damaged elements Sharply 30 operators
Minimum requirements for a short version bullet statement: Accomplishment Impact
Writing Effective Bullets
1. Documentation2. Format3. Writing Tips 4. Special Bullets
Documentation Keep a daily record of duties Keep a daily record of additional duties Keep letters, e-mails, or comments of
recognition or appreciation Keep record of completed training or
education Keep a record of any voluntary service to
military or community Crunch the numbers (# produced, #hrs
saved, $ saved, # people involved)
Format
1 – 3 lines
Sub-bullets describe impact, result, or scope
Minimize “white space” (but don’t fill with fluff!)
Avoid carrying a few words to next line—Don’t waste space…
Size/Length of Bullets- XXX XXX XXXXX XXX XXXX -- XXX XXX XXX XXX XXXXX -- XXXXXXXXX XXXXX XXX- AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA -- AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA- YYY YYYYY YYY YYY- ZZZZ ZZZZZ ZZZZZ ZZZZZ- VVVV VVV VVVV VVVVVV VVVV
Format Bullets don’t have periods “.” Use “!” sparingly
Avoid: articles--a, an, the conjunctions--and, but, or pronouns--he, she, him, her
Avoid: negative words--isn’t, can’t
To indicate a pause, use: double dash (--) ellipsis (…) semicolon (;)
Start with a strong, fact-filled statement
Use “hard-hitting” facts, actions, & phrases
Be enthusiastic; make your writing come alive!
Look at other EPRs/OPRs/CAs for
same position
Writing Tips
Writing Tips
Use common termsAvoid job-specific jargonValidate with comments from
outside agencies (HQ USAF, MAJCOM, Wing, etc.)
Use verbs, adverbs & adjectives with...
Writing Tips
Verbs with Revamped, rescuedPioneered, initiatedCreated, built, conceivedSpearheaded, pilotedRecaptured, recoupedCaptured, garneredBriefed, presented
Instead of ... Say ...Improved………….
Started……………Made………………Led………………..Saved ($)…………Received (award)..Spoke ……………..
Writing Tips
Verbs withWriting Tips
Use active voice – not passive“smooth transition was achieved”
“achieved smooth transition”
“patient’s life was saved”“saved patient’s life”
“10 students were taught”“educated 10 students”
Adverbs with - explain how a task was accomplished
- use only if it truly adds value to the verb
enthusiastically proactively
expertly shrewdly
independently single-handedly
strategically flawlessly
meticulously selflessly
Writing Tips
Adjectives with - use only if they add value
- use to describe the worker
dynamic talented visionarydecisive motivated inspirationalversatile proactive dynamichigh-output expedient expertinexhaustible
Writing Tips
Lead-ins with - Use sparingly; takes up space - Followed with a fact or accomplishment Hard charger “Go to” person
Leader of the pack Pacesetter Point-person Shining star Quality champion Community advocate Visionary Trailblazer
Writing Tips
Last bullet in rating section recommends: Promotion (enlisted) PME (officer)
Stratification: Use to rank top personnel
Sets individual above his/her peers Common phrases: top x%, my #1, my best, hard-
hitting, enthusiastic, strongEx: - #2 of 312 CGOs in 90 SW - Top 1% of captains in 20 AF
Special Bullets
4a. Example
- Piloted annual Combined Federal Campaign
-- Contacted 100% of personnel in 5 days
and reached 14% of monetary goal Good What did the person do?
How well did the person do it? What was the result? What level was impacted? Why was accomplishment important? So What?
4b. Example
- Created an ISD reference library -- provided a ready source of information for all element members Good and Poor What did the person do? Good How well did the person do it? So-so What was the result? So-so What level was impacted? Yes, not impressive Why was accomplishment important? So What?
4c. Example
Last Bullet from Senior Rater: - Extraordinary leader achieves unparalleled results; SOS in residence at first opportunity
GreatStratification from commander for promotion and officer PME. Perfect for last bullet.
4d. Example
- Requires constant supervision; sets low personal standards and then consistently fails to achieve them
Poor
SUMMARY
1. Importance of Effective Bullets
2. What is a Bullet Statement?
3. Writing Effective Bullets
4. Exercises
Remember, in the highly competitive promotion arena, written communication is the only tool we have.
Gen Eugene Habiger (Ret)CINC, US Strategic Command