Scene to read · Empathy, Communication
How a drummer calls it
You sit in the third row of a community dragon boat crew.
Quentin, who is 67, joined two weeks ago and keeps missing the stroke. Kabir, the drummer who sets the crew's timing, corrects him sharply each time; on Kabir's old racing crew, blunt calls were how everyone learned. Quentin has told you he joined to make friends after his wife died. On the dock after practice, the three of you tie up the boat.
The scene
Kabir: Quentin, you're late on every catch. Watch the paddle ahead, not the water.
Quentin: I'm trying. Getting shouted at in front of twenty people doesn't help.
Kabir: That's how a drummer calls it. One late paddle throws the whole boat.
Quentin: Maybe this isn't for me. You paddle with us both. Am I wrong?
The two questions
- 1What would you say to Quentin and Kabir?
- 2How can a team hold a high standard and still make room for someone who is new and struggling?
What raters look for
- Empathy
- Recognizes what others feel and need, and lets that shape the response without losing judgment.
- Communication
- Listens first, speaks clearly and respectfully, and adapts the message to the listener.
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
