Judgement Test Question 23 – Dismissive comment during a planning meeting
Read the scenario and rate every action independently. Several actions can receive the same rating.
On this page
Scenario
You are chairing a planning meeting for a small improvement project. A junior colleague suggests changing the order of two tasks to reduce repeated checks. An experienced colleague laughs and says, 'That is a naive idea. We tried something similar years ago.' The junior colleague stops speaking, and the rest of the group becomes quiet. You do not yet know whether the suggestion will work, but the meeting is intended to consider different options. You need to address the way the idea was dismissed while keeping the discussion focused on evidence and the project outcome.
Rate the actions
For each action, choose Counterproductive, Ineffective, Fairly Effective or Effective.
Action A
Continue the meeting, then speak privately with the experienced colleague afterwards about how their comment affected the discussion.
Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective
Action B
State that ideas must be considered respectfully, invite the junior colleague to finish explaining and ask the group to assess the suggestion against the project needs.
Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective
Action C
Tell the experienced colleague in front of the group that several of their own ideas have failed in the past.
Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective
Action D
Move to the next item so the meeting remains on schedule and no one becomes more uncomfortable.
Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective
Click to reveal the answer
- Action A: Fairly Effective
- Action B: Effective
- Action C: Counterproductive
- Action D: Ineffective
Members can unlock the detailed explanation for all four actions, including why each response helps, falls short or makes the situation worse.
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
