A co-worker tells you in confidence that they intend to call in sick while actually taking a week's vacation. What would you do and why?
"I'd approach the situation first by asking a clarifying question. I never speak on any topic until I am fully versed. I'd ask them where they are going, how long this vacation was planned, and I'd ask them if they requested the time off or not. I'd ask them if anyone else knew, and what kind of work they'd be leaving behind. I'd want to understand the full implications their elongated absence would have on the rest of the team. If they had a heavy workload with deadlines due while they were gone, well, that would definitely negatively impact the rest of the team. I'd also want to ascertain whether they had considered the negative impact of their absence, and how unprepared the rest of the department would be if they realized too late that this person wasn't coming back to work until it was too late to meet these deadlines. I'd take everything I could into consideration. I'd then let my supervisor know and ask for their discretion in this matter. This way, we'd have a heads-up on being proactive in addressing their workload while reducing the negative impact of their expected absence."
This question tests your integrity, your scope of the teamwork at play, and what you can learn from the experience initially. Keeping the big-picture in focus is paramount here. If this coworker is letting you know they are going to leave the rest of the team unprepared for their absence and possibly inheriting their workload, this reflects a blatant disregard for the consequences and how it will negatively impact the rest of the team. It also informs you that you can likely predict this isn't the first time nor the last they will conduct themselves in this manner. So, without compromising your integrity, without compromising the respect you've earned from the rest of the team, nor betraying the trust of the coworker who confided in you, your approach should exhibit integrity, professionalism, and discretion.
It's of value to share your big-picture view of the nuance of this situation. Detail your understanding of the impact this individual's unethical conduct has on the rest of the team. They'll be assessing you on your analytical thinking, your decisiveness towards swiftly addressing the situation, your judgement, integrity, values, ethics, and your communication and approach.
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I will talk to my colleague and say that I do not agree with the attitude he is taking because it will affect teamwork and will overload people without even being prepared for it. I will encourage him to talk to his supervisor and speak the truth. I'll make myself available to cover his shifts whenever I'm available and I can talk my other colleagues into doing the same. If even so he refuses to speak with the supervisor, I will have to speak because the work cannot be compromised and colleagues harmed by someone's selfish attitude.
Marcie's Feedback
Excellent! It's great that you would encourage your colleague to talk to his supervisor and be truthful. Good answer!
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