Scene to read · Communication, Ethics
Ten more minutes
You are a cashier at a neighborhood pharmacy.
The pharmacy is short-staffed and about an hour behind, with other customers waiting within earshot. Mrs. Alvarez has waited thirty minutes for a refill she ran out of yesterday. Before she reaches the counter, your coworker Ken, who is filling orders behind you, whispers to you.
The scene
Ken: Tell her ten minutes. Last week we said an hour and she left without it.
Ken: I can bump hers, but then the man behind her waits longer.
Mrs. Alvarez: My bus leaves at four, and I can't get back here until Monday.
Mrs. Alvarez: So, how much longer?
The two questions
- 1What would you say to Mrs. Alvarez, and to Ken?
- 2Is it ever right to give someone a more comfortable answer than the true one? Explain.
What raters look for
- Communication
- Listens first, speaks clearly and respectfully, and adapts the message to the listener.
- Ethics
- Weighs competing duties honestly, protects people from harm, and stays accountable to rules and values.
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
