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84 COMPETENCY-BASED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

ments. Many times I am charged with managing different projects at the
same time, as well. However, this is not as difficult as it sounds. The tasks
always fall into the same categories, so I am able to complete each without
changing gears.

Action: For example, when one executive hands me a copying task, I

inform the other two that I am heading to the copy room. This is their oppor-
tunity to also hand me materials that need duplicating.

Result: Combining my tasks eliminates the need for additional trips to

the copy room and opens up my day to manage other responsibilities.

Question 37. Describe an occasion when you dealt with an employee

whose demeanor was causing a problem.

Obstacle: An employee at Dunst and Robertson constantly be-

came defensive when asked the status of his projects. He blamed others
for delays and never accepted responsibility when his projects were behind
schedule.

Action: I had several meetings with him that focused on the importance

of personal accountability. To complement our discussions, I encouraged him
to enroll in a training course that centered on workflow prioritization.

Result: He successfully completed the course. In addition, his complaints

lessened over time and his projects were completed in a timely manner.

Question 38. Describe a time when your work complemented another

staff member’s objective.

Situation: As an art teacher with Brownstone Elementary, I attend

meetings with classroom teachers. During these get-togethers, we discussed
the principal lessons that were scheduled and I found ways to adjust the art
curriculum to reinforce the main lessons.

Action: For example, students were learning geography and studying

the seven continents in their classrooms. To support their learning, I had the
students make African-inspired jewelry in art class.

Result: Integrating art projects with regular classroom instruction of-

fered the students an opportunity to see their education in more than one ca-
pacity, and helping them retain information at the same time.

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