Work Strengths Test Question 92 – Addressing missed deadlines with an experienced manager
Read the scenario, then choose the one action you would be most likely to take and the one action you would be least likely to take.
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Scenario
An experienced manager has missed three agreed deadlines and their team is quietly covering unfinished work. When challenged informally, the manager says the deadlines were unrealistic and becomes defensive. Their previous performance was strong, and you know they are dealing with a difficult change in their area, but the current position cannot continue.
Choose the actions
Select one Most likely action and one Least likely action. Do not rank the two remaining actions.
Action A
Remove the manager's most important work immediately and tell the team that you will decide later whether it should be returned.
Your selection:
Most likelyLeast likely
Action B
Hold a private evidence-based conversation, understand the pressures, restate the required outcomes and agree support, actions and a review point.
Your selection:
Most likelyLeast likely
Action C
Ask HR to begin a formal performance process before holding a further discussion with the manager.
Your selection:
Most likelyLeast likely
Action D
Praise the manager publicly to protect their confidence and ask the team privately to keep covering the missed work.
Your selection:
Most likelyLeast likely
Click to reveal the answer
- Most likely: Action B
- Least likely: Action D
Members can unlock the full explanation for all four actions below, including why the strongest and weakest choices fit and how the two middle options compare.
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