Judgement Test Question 5 – A high performer intimidates other specialists
Read the scenario and rate every action independently. Several actions can receive the same rating.
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Scenario
A senior analyst in your directorate produces excellent work and is central to an urgent review. In meetings, they dismiss colleagues' questions, describe weaker analysis as 'basic' and challenge people in an aggressive tone. Several specialists now send their views privately rather than speaking in the room. The analyst says nobody has made a formal complaint and argues that high standards require direct feedback. Your manager is concerned about losing their expertise before the review is complete. You need to protect delivery while addressing the effect on the wider team.
Rate the actions
For each action, choose Counterproductive, Ineffective, Fairly Effective or Effective.
Action A
Give the analyst private feedback using specific examples, set clear expectations for professional challenge and monitor whether colleagues begin contributing openly again.
Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective
Action B
Praise the analyst's high standards and tell colleagues that demanding work can sometimes feel uncomfortable.
Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective
Action C
Change meeting rules so comments are directed through the chair and everyone has protected time to present their analysis.
Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective
Action D
Remove the analyst from meetings with junior staff but leave their role and feedback approach unchanged.
Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective
Click to reveal the answer
- Action A: Effective
- Action B: Counterproductive
- Action C: Fairly Effective
- Action D: Ineffective
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