Scene to read · Empathy, Collaboration
The fourth time
You are one of three bookkeepers at a small accounting office.
Milo came back from parental leave a month ago and keeps falling behind. Three times you and Greta have quietly finished his reconciliations for him. On the last afternoon before a filing deadline, he comes over to your desks.
The scene
Milo: The baby was up all night again. Could one of you finish my reconciliations?
Greta: That'd be the fourth time, Milo. I have my own deadline.
Milo: I know. I'm drowning, and I can't tell the boss. Not yet.
Greta: I'm out, I'm sorry. I can't cover you again.
Milo: What about you?
The two questions
- 1What would you say to Milo, and what would you do about today's deadline?
- 2Describe a time you supported someone who was struggling without taking over their responsibilities.
What raters look for
- Empathy
- Recognizes what others feel and need, and lets that shape the response without losing judgment.
- Collaboration
- Works toward a shared goal, shares credit and load, and repairs friction inside a team.
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
