Work Strengths Test Question 53 – Leading through a sudden change in direction
Read the scenario and rate every action independently. More than one action can receive the same rating.
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Scenario
A ministerial announcement changes the priority of a programme your team has developed for several months. The existing external deadline remains, but new work must now be included and some completed work may no longer be used. Staff are angry and tired, and several say senior leaders will simply change their minds again. You need to reset delivery without dismissing the team's reaction or making commitments that cannot be met.
Rate the actions
For each action, choose Counterproductive, Ineffective, Fairly Effective or Effective.
Action A
Tell the team that changes from senior leaders are normal and expect them to meet the original deadline without reducing any work.
Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective
Action B
Ask for two days to assess the impact and present senior leaders with delivery options before confirming a revised plan.
Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective
Action C
Continue the original plan alongside the new priority so that the team's completed work is not wasted.
Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective
Action D
Clarify the non-negotiable outcome, pause lower-value work, involve the team in a revised plan and explain the impact to senior leaders.
Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective
Click to reveal the answer
- Action A: Counterproductive
- Action B: Fairly Effective
- Action C: Counterproductive
- Action D: Effective
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