You have recently been promoted to the manager of your team over Sarah, and as a result, she’s considering moving over to your competitor. Persuade Sarah to stay without damaging the reputation of the company.
This scenario will put your team mentality and your communication skills to the test. It is your task to inform your coworker they are valued, that the team needs them, and that you want to help them attain their career goals. However, you'll also remain mindful of your cultural competence in this scenario. The actor may present reasons they believe played as an unfair component in being passed up for the promotion. Also, if this employee is prepared to leave their current employer for the competition, it can look like an emotional or irrational reaction to the situation, which could further hamper their success in progressing their career.
So the goal here is to maintain open body language. To exude empathy and put your active listening skills to the test. Remain confident, nondefensive, and objective while keeping the big-picture in your crosshairs the entire time. Your goal is to get the actor to see the big picture as well. Ultimately, whether they decide to leave or to stay, offer a helping hand, showing that you care for your fellow team member, that you want to help and that you want them to succeed.
To recap; Behavioral interview questions are presented as past scenarios you've previously encountered ('Tell me about a time when'). Situational questions pose hypothetical situations you may face in the future, with a 'what would you do' response. A role play interview questions involves a participative scenario where your skills and responses are tested in the present, in real time. The competencies you'll be evaluated on are; developing self, flexibility, problem solving, meeting client needs, communication, teamwork, and self-control and composure. You will also be scored on how well you interact with the actors, especially on the level of the respect and sensitivity you exhibit concerning race and diversity.
They'll likely have presented the role to you in advance, giving you anywhere from a day to 5-10 minutes to prepare. Take full advantage of any time they give you. Don't just read through the materials they provide you with and assume you are ready. Research the role and get in character. Most of the CBSA's role-play questions will be customer service oriented, and will focus on your interpersonal skills and conflict management skills. Take notes on the relevant information which will guide you on how to respond and react. Decide on and commit to your approach as soon as you have a clearer understanding of the role the actor will play. Since this is testing your responses, you'll want to practice. Watch your body language in the mirror. Record your voice and listen for tone, speech-crutches, slang and choice of words. This is especially important when immersed in scenarios surrounding linguistic diversity.
This scenario will test your communication skills and your ability to speak non-defensively, objectifying the situation. This also will require you to exhibit in your diplomacy, composure, and will test your sense of teamwork, how you inspire others, and how you foster a stronger team environment and collaborative mentality. It will test your problem-solving skills, and your ability to discern facts from opinions or misunderstandings, which will speak to your emotional intelligence and your ability to empathize and not internalize the emotional state of others.
It will test your flexibility and your adaptability, and if your ability to identify your coworker's needs, from their need to feel heard, validated, empathized with, and assured they are a valued member of the team. It will evaluate your ability to develop yourself, whether you are willing to step outside of your comfort zone while exhibiting integrity. Lastly, it will test your conscientiousness and reliability, and how consistent you are in your responses, your approach, and your overall handling of the situation.
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
Hi Sarah, I hope you are doing well. I understand that you may be unhappy that your promotion did not work out, but I would like you to understand that you are a valued member of our team. We need you and we are open to talk and receive suggestions and criticisms that you may have. Be aware that other career growth opportunities will open up and that you can always pursue them. We will be very happy if you choose to continue working with us as we appreciate your hard work and we are sure that you still have a lot to contribute to our company.
Marcie's Feedback
Awesome! This is an amazing response that will impress any interviewer. You come across as very tactful, considerate, and understanding. In addition, your response shows that you're ready for a leadership position and will take action to benefit the company. Excellent answer!
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