Scene to read · Equity, Professionalism
The last chair today
You take bookings at the small hair salon inside a care home.
The salon has one chair free before the hairdresser leaves at five. Elena was told an hour ago that her mother, a new resident, could have the next opening before tonight's family dinner. The four o'clock regular has just arrived half an hour late; the posted rule releases a booking after twenty minutes. With residents listening, the salon manager, Amrita, comes over.
The scene
Amrita: Give it to our four o'clock. Six years of Fridays, and her aide ran late.
Elena: We've waited an hour. You told me the next opening was Mom's.
Amrita: Walk-ins are never guaranteed. I'm sorry. I can do Monday morning.
Elena: The dinner's tonight. Your own sign says twenty minutes. Doesn't it?
The two questions
- 1What would you do, and what would you say to Elena and Amrita?
- 2When, if ever, is it fair to treat a loyal, long-standing person differently from a newcomer?
What raters look for
- Equity
- Notices unequal access or treatment and acts fairly, especially for people with less power.
- Professionalism
- Is reliable, respects boundaries and confidentiality, and holds a consistent standard under pressure.
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
