Judgement Test Question 27 – Two competing deadlines
Read the scenario and rate every action independently. Several actions can receive the same rating.
On this page
Scenario
You promised a customer a detailed written response by 4:00 pm. At noon, your manager asks for an urgent data return by 3:00 pm for a senior meeting. Each task may take around two hours, so completing both in full is unlikely. Your manager has not said whether the data return takes priority over the customer commitment and is available for a brief discussion. The customer has heard nothing since the promise was made. You can explain the conflict, agree the required scope and send a holding update if the customer deadline must change.
Rate the actions
For each action, choose Counterproductive, Ineffective, Fairly Effective or Effective.
Action A
Explain the clash to your manager, agree the priority and update the customer promptly if the original commitment must change.
Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective
Action B
Switch repeatedly between both tasks and hope to finish them without telling anyone about the risk.
Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective
Action C
Ignore the manager’s request and finish the customer response because it was promised first.
Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective
Action D
Send the customer a holding update, start gathering the most essential data and ask the manager to confirm the required scope.
Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective
Click to reveal the answer
- Action A: Effective
- Action B: Ineffective
- Action C: Counterproductive
- Action D: Fairly Effective
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