Judgement Test Question 32 – Partner challenge to a fixed deadline
Read the scenario and rate every action independently. Several actions can receive the same rating.
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Scenario
You are coordinating training that an external delivery partner must complete before a new service starts. The partner sends a frustrated email, copied to senior colleagues, saying your timetable is unrealistic. The final start date is fixed because it supports a legal change, but the order of the preparation activities can be adjusted. The partner has not explained which activity is causing the problem. You need to keep the relationship constructive, make the fixed constraint clear and find out whether a different sequence could protect the start date. Your manager is available if the discussion reaches an issue outside your authority.
Rate the actions
For each action, choose Counterproductive, Ineffective, Fairly Effective or Effective.
Action A
Reply to everyone copied into the email that the date came from senior leaders and the partner must meet it.
Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective
Action B
Ask your manager to answer because senior colleagues were copied into the partner’s email.
Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective
Action C
Send a concise note showing the fixed date and flexible activities, then ask the partner to propose a revised sequence for discussion.
Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective
Action D
Arrange a call, acknowledge the concern, explain the fixed start date and work through which preparation activities can be resequenced before confirming the plan in writing.
Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective
Click to reveal the answer
- Action A: Counterproductive
- Action B: Ineffective
- Action C: Effective
- Action D: Effective
Members can unlock the detailed explanation for all four actions, including why each response helps, falls short or makes the situation worse.
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