1. When someone challenges your idea in a meeting, you usually…
Push back hard and defend your position Look for the middle — give a little, get a little Suggest you dig into it together Agree in the room, revisit later Stay quiet and think about it
2. A teammate keeps missing deadlines that block you. You…
Escalate to their manager Adjust your work around theirs Wait to see if it fixes itself Propose a shared plan with checkpoints Trade something — you cover this, they cover that
3. Your boss delivers unfair criticism in front of others. You…
Say nothing in the moment, seethe later Correct the record right there Ask to talk privately after Nod and move on to keep peace Own part of it, push back on part
4. You and a peer want the same promotion. You…
Make your case louder and stronger Suggest one of you defers this cycle Propose splitting scope so both grow Don't say anything about it Try to find a fair middle path
5. Your partner is upset about something you did. Your instinct is…
Explain why they're wrong Say sorry to stop the argument Ask what they need and really listen Give it space and hope it passes Own your half, ask them to own theirs
6. A direct report tells you your feedback felt harsh. You…
Say 'that wasn't my intent' and move on Restate your point more firmly Apologize for the delivery, keep the message Soften your future feedback with them Meet halfway — softer tone, clearer stakes