Judgement Test Question 34 – Pressure to soften a risk briefing

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Read the scenario and rate every action independently. Several actions can receive the same rating.

Practice level: EO

Scenario

You draft a short briefing for a decision meeting. Current evidence shows a high risk that a supplier will miss a key delivery date. A senior stakeholder asks you to replace 'high risk of delay’ with 'minor timing concern’ because they think the stronger wording may worry the meeting. The briefing already includes the supplier’s recovery plan, and the final decision maker needs an accurate view of the risk. You can discuss the request with the stakeholder before the paper is submitted. You need to protect accuracy while handling the challenge professionally and keeping the briefing concise.

Rate the actions

For each action, choose Counterproductive, Ineffective, Fairly Effective or Effective.

Action A

Change the wording because the stakeholder is more senior and is responsible for the meeting relationship.

Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective

Action B

Refuse the request in an email copied to everyone attending the decision meeting.

Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective

Action C

Explain the evidence behind the rating, ask what concern the stakeholder wants addressed and agree concise wording that states the risk and recovery action accurately.

Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective

Action D

Keep the original wording and submit the paper without telling the stakeholder that you have ignored their request.

Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective

Click to reveal the answer
  • Action A: Counterproductive
  • Action B: Fairly Effective
  • Action C: Effective
  • 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.

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