Quiz: 'Tough' situations at work?

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1. You have an important deadline and need some information. But your boss is on vacation. A wrong decision could cost your company a lot. What do you do?
Go to the boss's boss and get it clarified by him.
Trust your instincts and take a call based on your gut feeling
Discuss the problem with a tenured colleague, understand their perspective and take a collective decision.

2. Your boss is upset with your work and shouts at you in front of all the other colleagues. What do you do?
You apologise for the misunderstanding and request a private meeting immediately.
You listen to him and complain about him to senior management later.
You give it back to your boss as you believe in getting even.

Wrong! Try again.

Wrong!
The correct answer is: You apologise for the misunderstanding and request a private meeting immediately..
It is never a good idea to get into an argument with your boss. If you have a difference of opinion, talk it out in person and be open to feedback. Going to the senior management with a complaint will make you look amateurish. As they say 'Never wash you dirty linen in public'. Resolve all disputes within closed doors or else you will be adding to the gossip factory in the office.

Right!
It is never a good idea to get into an argument with your boss. If you have a difference of opinion, talk it out in person and be open to feedback. Going to the senior management with a complaint will make you look amateurish. As they say 'Never wash you dirty linen in public'. Resolve all disputes within closed doors or else you will be adding to the gossip factory in the office.

3. You see a group of colleagues indulging in some office gossip and banter. They ask you to join them. What do you do?
You join the group and add your two cents to the gossip as you think it will help you make friends.
You excuse yourself on the pretence of work or stay neutral towards any comment. You do not take any sides or pass any judgments.
You listen to their stories and then share them with other colleagues and your boss.

Wrong! Try again.

Wrong!
The correct answer is: You excuse yourself on the pretence of work or stay neutral towards any comment. You do not take any sides or pass any judgments..
Always stay away from the gossipmongers. They will be talking about you at your back soon. Be pleasant and socialise with everyone but never pass any comments or judgments. There is a good chance that you will be quoted for something you did not intend to say. Remember: The office is for work and not for socialising.

Right!
Always stay away from the gossipmongers. They will be talking about you at your back soon. Be pleasant and socialise with everyone but never pass any comments or judgments. There is a good chance that you will be quoted for something you did not intend to say. Remember: The office is for work and not for socialising.

4. You threw yourself at a male/female colleague after a couple of drinks at an office party. You have to face them at work the next day. What do you do?
You apologise profusely for your behaviour and explain that you got carried away.
You think that they may not have noticed so staying quiet and not making it obvious is a good idea.
You tell all your male/female friends about how those men/women were all over you and get people on your side in case those women/men colleagues choose to complain.

Wrong! Try again.

Wrong!
The correct answer is: You apologise profusely for your behaviour and explain that you got carried away..
Never consume excessive alcohol during office parties. In fact, try and avoid it completely. Treat after work gatherings as a networking opportunity rather than a party and you will be able to change people's perception of you. Do not boast about your sexual conquests. Rather, apologise immediately if such an event does take place. Never flirt with your colleagues, your boss, your staff, or your clients.

Right!
Never consume excessive alcohol during office parties. Infact try and avoid it completely. Treat after work gatherings as a networking opportunity rather than a party and you will be able to change people's perception of you. Do not boast about your sexual conquests rather apologize immediately incase of any such events. Never flirt with your colleagues, your boss, your staff, or your clients.

5. You have a jealous office colleague who keeps sabotaging your work and claiming credit for your efforts?
You also start doing the same and play nasty with your colleague.
You go to your superior and explain him how this is affecting your morale and productivity and mention that you tried dealing with it on your own.
You choose to stay silent and hope that this colleague will either change with time or will be fired.

Wrong! Try again..

Wrong!
The correct answer is: You go to your superior and explain to him how this is affecting your morale and productivity and mention that you tried dealing with it on your own..
Never get into a fight with a jealous colleague. Talk to your boss and be solution oriented but don't sound accusatory. No one wants to get involved in workplace battles. But, if it affects your efficiency then staying quiet is not an option. Stay confident and don't get rattled by office politics.

Right!
Never get into a fight with a jealous colleague. Talk to your boss and be solution oriented but don't sound accusatory. No one wants to get involved in workplace battles. But, if it affects your efficiency then staying quiet is not an option. Stay confident and don't get rattled by office politics.

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Compiled by Sunder Ramachandran