1. Your manager is interviewing candidates for a staff position. In the elevator, you hear the top contender say she's not very excited about the job but is in need of a paycheck, as she talks on her cell phone. You:
A. Keep the information to yourself; a lot of people are in it just for the money.
B. Mention the conversation if it looks like your manager is about to make a job offer.
C. Tell your manager what you heard as soon as possible.
D. Confront the candidate to find out why she lacks enthusiasm for the position.
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Answers:
A
Sorry; not passing on this type of information shows questionable judgment.
B
Close but not proactive enough. Your manager should know what you heard as soon as possible.
C
Good answer! You've assessed the situation and taken effective action.
D
You show initiative, but in this case it's probably better to let your manager probe for specifics.
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2. The best way to build an effective team is to:
A. Identify links between people who have complementary skill sets.
B. Bring together professionals who have similar skills and interests.
C. Use functional roles as your guide, designating an official leader, note-taker, technical point-person and so forth.
D. Assemble groups that have worked well together in the past.
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Answers:
A
Smart choice! Tomorrow's office will depend on cross-disciplinary work teams to develop innovative solutions to business challenges.
B
Not necessarily; similar people may get along well, but you will have fewer points of view and new ideas.
C
Too rigid; in the office of the future, it will be important to avoid compartmentalizing roles so everyone has a chance to offer ideas.
D
A good idea, but you could fall into regular patterns that might get in the way of innovation and creativity.
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3. You recently learned that a colleague in your company, who has similar responsibilities and experience as you, earns considerably more money. You:
A. Schedule a meeting with your boss to request a raise based on the disparity in compensation levels.
B. Research average salaries for people in your position before deciding whether to seek an adjustment.
C. Schedule an appointment to request a raise, preparing a list of your accomplishments to justify increased compensation.
D. Let the issue drop since there may be more to the story than you know.
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Answers:
A
Careful; a meeting may be in order, but you should request a raise based on your contributions, not someone else's salary level.
B
Almost. Researching salary levels is a smart move; however, you also want to consider your own skills.
C
Right! Discussing your accomplishments and their impact on the bottom line will help you build the strongest case for a raise.
D
True, there may be something you don't know, but giving up before you've researched the issue is a mistake.
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4. My general attitude about technology is:
A. I learn the skills necessary to do my job efficiently.
B. I test new technologies and share what I learn with coworkers.
C. I prefer to use tried-and-true technologies.
D. If my company offers technical training, I always sign up.
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Answers:
A
Not bad; it's great to do your job well, but going one step further to train others on emerging technologies will increase your marketability.
B
Excellent! Your proactive approach will make you an asset to your team.
C
Sorry; be willing to branch out beyond what you know or you may be left behind.
D
A good try; but in addition to company trainings, you should enhance skills on your own.
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5. A coworker routinely misses deadlines, causing you to scramble to complete projects on time. You:
A. Talk to your manager about the problem.
B. Assign your coworker deadlines that are several days earlier than actual due dates so you'll have ample time for your work.
C. Inform your colleague that missed deadlines are upsetting your schedule.
D. Don't let the missed deadlines affect you; if the project is late, your colleague is to blame.
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Answers:
A
Yes! You may feel like a finger-pointer, but your manager needs to know if someone regularly impedes progress.
B
Nice workaround, but this may not always be successful.
C
Not a bad choice. However, your supervisor should be told about a recurring issue that affects productivity.
D
Bad move! If the project is late, productivity suffers, and that's everyone's problem.
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6. Your manager has just been asked by her boss to give a last-minute presentation. She tells you the topic then shuts herself in her office to make urgent phone calls. You:
A. Wait for her to finish her calls and then ask for specific instructions.
B. Gather pertinent data and documents, and begin preparing handouts.
C. Knock on her door to see if she would like your assistance.
D. Call your manager's boss and request more information.
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Answers:
A
Careful; it's better to take action than just to do as you're told.
B
Correct! You sense your manager needs help and take initiative to provide it.
C
Kudos for trying to help, but if you are truly tuned to your manager's needs, you might be able to provide assistance without interrupting.
D
Problematic; generally, you don't want to approach your manager's boss unless you're specifically asked to do so.
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7. While scanning the newspaper, you notice a major blizzard is forecast for the day sales representatives from eight states are due to arrive at your company headquarters for an important training. You:
A. Alert the sales team of the impending storm so they can bring appropriate attire.
B. Suggest to your manager that the meeting be rescheduled for the following week.
C. E-mail the weather report to your manager so she is aware of the situation and can act accordingly.
D. Propose setting up a real-time videoconference between the sales representatives and headquarters. Offer to liaison with the other offices, coordinate schedules and set up the necessary equipment at your site.
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Answers:
A
Caution; you have good intentions but aren't trouble-shooting the bigger problem of people traveling in a blizzard.
B
Close; you're identifying a problem and offering a solution, but if the meeting is important, you may not want to put it on hold.
C
It's nice to point out the problem but even better to offer solutions.
D
Yes! You're using technology to prevent problems, keeping business on track.
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8. Which of the following best describes your learning style?
A. I mostly learn from my mistakes and never make the same one twice.
B. I learn best in formal classroom settings.
C. I learn from my coworkers' and managers' feedback.
D. I learn by observing others and seeking training on new subjects.
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Answers:
A
Watch out! Learning primarily from mistakes is learning the hard way.
B
A step in the right direction, but you can get a lot of insight outside of the classroom, too.
C
A good idea, but feedback on the job shouldn't be your only learning tool.
D
Smart move! Observing coworkers you admire, along with more formal training, can provide a well-rounded education.
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9. When negotiating with a vendor, the best approach is to:
A. Seek the lowest possible price for all goods and services.
B. Carefully evaluate the value you're receiving, in addition to cost.
C. Pit one firm against another to drive down prices.
D. Select the firm that has the best reputation, regardless of expense.
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Answers:
A
A common practice, but the savviest negotiators consider the value they're receiving in addition to the price.
B
Terrific! Your big-picture approach will serve your company well.
C
Careful. This may seem like a good idea, but driving too hard a bargain can alienate the vendors with which you'll be working in the future.
D
Sounds good, but you want to at least consider cost, even if you ultimately decide to go with the priciest vendor.
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10. Your manager is about to give a presentation at a business lunch when you notice a large ketchup stain on her white shirt. You:
A. Don't mention it, since it will only make her nervous.
B. Advise her to remove the stain with a tissue.
C. Suggest she check herself in the mirror before she takes the stage.
D. Find a jacket she can borrow to cover the stain.
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Answers:
A
Ouch! Put yourself in your manager's shoes: You'd want to know about the stain.
B
A good try, but it's unlikely the stain will come out easily, and there's a risk of making it worse.
C
Sorry; a cryptic remark is sure to cause confusion. Better to point out the specific problem.
D
Way to go! You're making your manager look good, which is always a smart career move.
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