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112 COMPETENCY-BASED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

take a lot of research to track down the file, I assigned the task to a legal as-
sistant. Several times the assistant expressed concern about the difficulties
she was encountering. Though she did not come right out and ask me, all in-
dications pointed to her wanting me to intervene.

Action: Though I didn’t offer to take over the work, I did offer advice on

the steps to take. It was important that she learn to manage difficult situations
such as these on her own.

Result: It took her two weeks longer than I expected to complete the

task, but she did locate the necessary letter.

Question 84. Describe a time when you assigned a project to an em-

ployee and dealt with the reactions of those who were passed over.

Situation: As the vice president of communications for the Medium

Collective, I assigned a lucrative project to Yvette, an employee who had
joined the team only a month earlier. My decision ruffled a few feathers among
the high producers, as they felt the decision should have been based on sen-
iority. I understood their point, and there were times when I took seniority into
consideration. This time, however, I felt that Yvette’s accomplishments with
previous companies outshone the best employees on Medium’s payroll.
Since she was the most qualified, she received the opportunity.

Action: When approached by staff members about my decision, I pro-

vided an honest assessment of the situation. Given that I have solid working
relationships with the team members and have earned their respect, there
was no fallout—only genuine curiosity.

Result: Yvette delivered exceptional results. The next lucrative project

that came our way, I assigned to another team member—as it is my philos-
ophy that all members share in the opportunities to tackle challenging as-
signments.

Question 85. Tell me about a time when you provided instructions for

doing a task and an employee offered a smarter alternative.

Situation: Many employees had questions regarding their health-care

and life insurance benefits. Given that, I suggested to the benefits coordina-
tor that he hold a meeting to answer questions. Since he has more employee
interactions than I do, he informed me that the overwhelmingly majority of

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