Situational Judgement Questions and Answers

(B) is the MOST effective response to the presented scenario. The key issue here is for you, as manager, to improve collaboration. Introducing short weekly meetings will do this in what should be perceived as an acceptable manner by your team. It's always good advice to select the solution likely to prove most effective in the long-term.

The LEAST effective response is (option (A). Rather than reminding colleagues of their team objectives, you need to be encouraging more regular team communication. A one-off meeting - even if it's given high priority - will not improve collaboration over the longer-term.

Regarding answer option (C); interpersonal skills training does offer some value. Still it's only one, albeit an important, component of effective collaboration.

Answer option (D) may work in the long-term. However it is not as proactive as option (B).

The MOST effective answer is (C) since it is the most conciliatory. It addresses the need to firstly 'quieten down' the new team member. Whilst also providing your rationale for doing so, and thirdly encouraging a collaborative approach.

(D) is the LEAST effective response which could easily backfire. You don't know how the rest of your busy team will react. Also, 'telling off' your new colleague could discourage them from contributing at future meetings.

OK, so option (A) shows that this type of behaviour is not acceptable in your team. Still, such an aggressive approach in front of your team is ill-advised. Option (B) certainly sounds like it is encouraging the team to manage the issue themselves. However, this is still not an assertive approach that dictates what you would like the team to do.

Answer option (B) appears to blame the more experienced team members for not speaking up. You're the leader so it is your responsibility to exert authority and ensure that the meeting produces the most collaborative and effective solutions.

(A) is the MOST effective answer since it addresses both the key issues: investigating how to set more effective objectives ; whilst getting buy in to this week's targets from the start.

Answer option (C) does recognise the need for improved collaboration, although this is quite a weak solution. More importantly, it has to be the LEAST effective solution since it does not address the other key need to work more effectively (towards the set objectives).

Consider answer option (B) to be an in-between solution. Whilst the problematic objective settiong process is dealt with, removing it is an over-simplified, knee-jerk reaction.

Option (D) isn't the best or the worst option. Yes, a team meeting would be a good starting point for discussing the underlying performance and collaboration issues. However, your agenda is already assuming these are caused by a lack of effort.

(A) is the MOST effective solution because you are further enhancing your own understanding of the underlying issues causing lower team morale. This will foster more informed decisions going forward.

The LEAST effective solution is (B). There are clearly important business issues that need to be addressed. Any further delay does not help to resolve the current situation or even try to turnaround the falls in business performance.

Option (C) may or may not reveal useful information. Again, it's hit or miss nature means that the best answer is going to offer a more pragmatic solution.

Option (D)'s brainstorming idea is a traditional solution for generating new ideas. It doesn't address the underlying issues directly so a more pragmatic solution is required.

You are facing a conflict between your customer’s needs and your team’s needs, and are required to make a decision.

Answer choice A shows prioritisation before making your decision. You are aiming to multi-task and manage your time. In general, when you have conflicting goals, the responsible and organised approach is to take some time to prioritise and look for a solution that will balance your goals as much as possible.

In answer choice B, you choose the urgent task. However, because it’s urgent doesn’t necessarily mean it’s more important.

Answer choice C is the opposite – you turn down your colleague’s request. Answer choices B and C are reasonable responses; however, they both involve giving up on either your customer’s needs or your team’s needs, without considering your priorities and options.

Asking your manager (answer choice D) shows consideration for the importance of both tasks. You choose to ask your manager, who has a better understanding of the bigger picture and overall goals of the team. This is a reasonable response. Between A and D, A is a better answer to this question as you take time to consider, and show responsibility by making your customer your top priority.