Work Strengths Test Question 99 – Briefing senior leaders on an uncertain technical risk
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
You must brief senior leaders on a technical risk that has a low but uncertain probability and a potentially severe public impact. Specialists disagree about the likelihood because the evidence is incomplete. Leaders must decide whether to fund an expensive precaution now or accept the risk while further evidence is gathered.
Choose the actions
Select one Most likely action and one Least likely action. Do not rank the two remaining actions.
Action A
Explain the risk in plain language, show the credible range and assumptions, compare the options and recommend a proportionate decision with review triggers.
Your selection:
Most likelyLeast likely
Action B
Use the detailed specialist paper as the main briefing so leaders can see every technical argument before deciding.
Your selection:
Most likelyLeast likely
Action C
Describe the severe outcome as likely because leaders may otherwise underestimate the importance of taking precautionary action.
Your selection:
Most likelyLeast likely
Action D
Remove the range and provide one central probability estimate so the briefing gives leaders a clear number.
Your selection:
Most likelyLeast likely
Click to reveal the answer
- Most likely: Action A
- Least likely: Action C
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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