Developing Adaptability as a Manager

Question 1

Johan’s manager just informed him that two of the specialists on his team will move to another project. What strategy would Johan need to already have in place for him to adapt in this situation?

A. He would need to seek input from all team members when he learns of the change.

B. He would need to already have expanded the planning cycle.

C. He would need to already have slack built into the schedule.

D. He would need to already have kept his employee resources lean upfront.

Answer 1

C. He would need to already have slack built into the schedule.
Correct

A manager should always predict, and plan for, potential uncertainties.

Question 2

Rosita is now working with her third VP in two years. Which strategy should Rosita pursue to stay adaptable though the constant change?

A. Rosita should align herself closely with just one particular leader.

B. Rosita would do best aligning herself with the “C-suite” executives.

C. Rosita does not have to worry about relationships, since people will come and go.

D. Rosita should take on cross-functional projects that demonstrate her skills and abilities.

Answer 2

D. Rosita should take on cross-functional projects that demonstrate her skills and abilities.
Correct

Taking on different projects or tasks across the company will show that Rosita is her own person and is able to form necessary relationships.

Question 3

_____, best practices, and culture are three things that will enable you to be adaptable in the midst of growth.

Select an answer:
A. Prevention
B. Systematization
C. Mitigation
D. Circumvention

Answer 3

B. Systematization

Question 4

Emil just gave a presentation. Immediately after it finished, his manager told Emil the presentation went well, but Emil did not look confident. What was the purpose of this feedback?

Select an answer:
A. to provide necessary criticism
B. to establish the manager’s authority
C. to provide areas for improvement
D. to evaluate Emil’s performance

Answer 4

C. to provide areas for improvement

Question 5

What would an adaptable manager avoid when creating an environment where employees feel safe taking risks?

Select an answer:
A. The manager would avoid rewarding employees who identify issues.
B. The manager would avoid communicating his or her own mistakes with employees.
C. The manager would avoid staying with what has been done in the past.
D. The manager would avoid separating outcome from process.

Answer 5

C. The manager would avoid staying with what has been done in the past.

Question 5

You are a manager with a large number of employees reporting to you. What approach should you take toward your employees if you are truly an adaptable manager?

Select an answer:
A. Adjust your style and tone to the employee you are dealing with at a particular time.
B. Take a one-size-fits-all approach so no employee feels left out.
C. Be consistent in the type of feedback you give to the employees.
D. Never address employees with directness and forcefulness.

Answer 5

A. Adjust your style and tone to the employee you are dealing with at a particular time.

Question 6

What is a trait of a manager who stays curious and can adapt at any given moment?

Select an answer:
A. The manager will come up with a solution without having to waste time on alternatives.
B. The manager understands that the facts of a situation will not vary.
C. The manager asks at least five questions to understand the context of any situation.
D. The manager understands that seeking employee opinions will not provide solutions.

Answer 6

C. The manager asks at least five questions to understand the context of any situation.

Question 7

Which strategy would you use if you want to set yourself apart so you can have more opportunities in the future?

A. Write your future resume.

B. Build your T-shaped skills.

C. Wait for your manager to set your learning plan.

D. Seek a wide range of learning opportunities as soon as possible.

Answer 7

B. Build your T-shaped skills.
Correct

Taking this action will enable you to increase your depth of skills in one area, and your breadth of skills in adjacent areas

Question 8

Adaptable managers think through backup scenarios for any type of change. What is this known as?

A. mitigation planning

B. contingency planning

C. business continuity planning

D. adaptation planning

Answer 8

B. contingency planning
Correct

Adaptable managers think through different scenarios and outcomes, and then develop backup plans to help minimize the impact of disruptions.