Scene to read · Communication, Equity
Do I have to say it here?
You sign in visitors at a food pantry.
You are at the pantry's only sign-in desk, in a narrow hallway, with a long line behind and thirty minutes until closing. The grant that pays for the food requires staff to ask each visitor's household income and tick a printed range themselves; forms filled in by visitors failed last year's audit. Zainab, here for the first time, lowers her voice. Kathleen, who works the desk with you, is beside you.
The scene
Zainab: The money question. Do I have to say it here? People behind can hear.
Kathleen: I'm sorry. We have to ask it and write it ourselves. Audit rules.
Zainab: My neighbor is in this line. I can come back another day.
Kathleen: Another day, it's the same question, same hallway. But it's your desk today.
The two questions
- 1What would you say to Zainab, and what would you do about the form?
- 2How should an organization balance the information it needs to collect with the dignity of the people it serves?
What raters look for
- Communication
- Listens first, speaks clearly and respectfully, and adapts the message to the listener.
- Equity
- Notices unequal access or treatment and acts fairly, especially for people with less power.
Answer scenarios like this on the real timers
Answer both questions on the clock, and get each one scored 1–9 the way raters score. Your first set is free, no card.
Practice free
