Work Strengths Test Question 24 – Covering an unexpected staffing gap
Read the scenario and rate every action independently. More than one action can receive the same rating.
On this page
Scenario
Two members of your operational team call in sick just before a busy public-facing shift. One service point is likely to develop a long queue, while another team is completing work that must be finished by the end of the day. You have staff with different levels of experience, and moving the wrong person could create errors elsewhere. Senior managers are unavailable for the next hour, but you are authorised to adjust duties.
Rate the actions
For each action, choose Counterproductive, Ineffective, Fairly Effective or Effective.
Action A
Check the expected demand and staff skills, move one trained person to the queue, explain the temporary priorities and review the position after an hour.
Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective
Action B
Ask the whole team who is willing to move and wait until they agree a solution among themselves.
Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective
Action C
Pause the lowest-priority work, cover the queue yourself and ask a trained colleague to review the remaining deadline-critical tasks.
Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective
Action D
Move the two fastest workers to the queue immediately without checking what work they are currently responsible for.
Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective
Click to reveal the answer
- Action A: Effective
- Action B: Ineffective
- Action C: Fairly Effective
- Action D: Counterproductive
Members can unlock the full explanation for all four actions below, including why each rating fits and what the question is testing.
Join our careers service to read more...
If everyone knew the best tricks and tips then they would no longer work! That is why the best guidance is for members only.
Subscribe to open the locked section on this page and get access to the full Civil Service Careers premium library.
Get help with applications, interviews, behaviours, personal statements, CVs, tests, workplace problems, promotions, and career decisions, all written for people who want a better result.
Already subscribed? Log in