Judgement Test Question 36 – A senior manager refuses support as their wellbeing declines
Read the scenario and rate every action independently. Several actions can receive the same rating.
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Scenario
A respected deputy director who reports to you has been working late for several weeks. They have missed two important meetings, become short-tempered with colleagues and recently sent a confused briefing to senior leaders. When you ask how they are, they say they are fine and cannot step back because the programme depends on them. Their team is beginning to cover gaps without knowing what decisions they can make. You need to support the individual, protect the team and keep essential work under control.
Rate the actions
For each action, choose Counterproductive, Ineffective, Fairly Effective or Effective.
Action A
Accept their assurance because senior managers are responsible for managing their own workload and wellbeing.
Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective
Action B
Quietly redistribute some of their work to other managers without explaining why.
Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective
Action C
Ask the team to record every further mistake so you can begin formal performance action if the pattern continues.
Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective
Action D
Hold a private conversation using the changes you have observed, listen to their view and agree immediate workload cover, support and a review point.
Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective
Click to reveal the answer
- Action A: Ineffective
- Action B: Fairly Effective
- Action C: Counterproductive
- Action D: Effective
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