Work Strengths Test Question 52 – Addressing a high performer’s effect on the team
Read the scenario and rate every action independently. More than one action can receive the same rating.
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Scenario
A deputy in your team produces strong work and makes quick decisions, but regularly interrupts colleagues and dismisses questions as unnecessary. Meetings finish faster when they lead them, yet several experienced staff have stopped challenging proposals and now raise concerns with you privately. The deputy believes the team needs more confidence and says that direct debate is part of working at a senior level.
Rate the actions
For each action, choose Counterproductive, Ineffective, Fairly Effective or Effective.
Action A
Discuss specific examples with the deputy, explain the effect on participation, agree expectations and change meeting routines to protect constructive challenge.
Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective
Action B
Give the deputy responsibility for all time-critical decisions because their approach keeps meetings efficient.
Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective
Action C
Tell the rest of the team that senior work requires confidence and ask them to challenge the deputy more directly.
Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective
Action D
Wait until a member of staff makes a formal complaint before raising the issue with the deputy.
Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective
Click to reveal the answer
- Action A: Effective
- Action B: Counterproductive
- Action C: Fairly Effective
- Action D: Ineffective
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