Situational Judgement Questions and Answers

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The MOST effective option is (C). This is because missing deadlines is a major problem which needs to be escalated to your manager. You need to know where they stand on this issue.

(A) is in fact the LEAST effective option since it only pays lip service - without taking any direct actions to address the growing problem.

Answer option (B) is slightly better than the LEAST effective option (A). You are indeed resolving the issue personally and reminding the team that this leadership responsibility falls within your managerial responsibilities.

Answer option (D) starts with the good idea of holding a team meeting. The aim here needs to be keeping the team on board and asking for their thoughts/opinions on what's causing the issues. Telling them can easily be misinterpreted as blaming them. In which case they will be less likely to help you with the problem resolution.

(D) is MOST since this solution: raises the underlying issue; whilst looking for a mutually agreed resolution. It's an excellent first step.

(B) is LEAST because this is simply repeating the same problem as your disruptive colleague.

(A) is incorrect since it abdicates responsibility to your manager. This is an interpersonal issue requiring some personal initiative. First try to address the problem yourself.

Answer option (C) contains two elements that mean it is not the best option. Firstly, there's a passive-aggressive intent in mailing a complaint that copies in their manager. There is also some threatening intent. Escalating the issue may prove unnecessary - try speaking to them first.

(B) is the MOST effective solution, demonstrating collaborative decision-making in seeking a resolution. Plus taking the initiative to address the timing issue. Thirdly, it's your managerial responsibility to offer balanced feedback.

The LEAST effective solution is (A) which does not address the over-running presentation or that your team members are being similarly inconvenienced.

Whilst (C) is a 'positive' response to assume leadership of the issue; it also hands responsibility to your team. It sends a strong message to the presenter but this could have been in a more openly professional - and less secretive - manner. Also, the question session will itself take even more time (away from the team's other work).

Similarly (D) avoids taking responsibility for resolving the issue. Always look for an overall solution, which this isn't!

The MOST effective response, (D), offers your own time to improve the report. This goes beyond your day-to-day job responsibility of managing the intern's work. Unfortunately for you, on this one report, you do need to put even more time and effort than you'd be expected to.

The LEAST effective response is (A) since you already know the client will not be happy with the draft report as it stands. Your attitude could easily backfire and may result in a client complaint to your manager.

Answer response (B) is an expedient option. You pass over your day-to-day intern responsibility to the rest of the team. This also introduces further delay in the report's delivery to your client.

Answer option (C) may or may not earn you some kudos with your manager. Still, it deliberately makes your intern look bad in your manager's eyes.