Scene to read · Motivation, Empathy
The fourth idea
You have a steady job and some savings; your younger sister, Chelsea, is starting her fourth business.
Chelsea's first three ventures each closed within a year. Five years ago, when you were out of work and nobody else would help, she lent you three months' rent without being asked. In her garage workshop, among half-built furniture, she and her wife, Svetlana, show you the plan.
The scene
Chelsea: Custom tables. Two orders already. Four thousand buys a proper saw and a website.
Svetlana: This one's different, I've watched it. And somebody backed you once, remember?
Chelsea: I know my track record. It's a loan, not a gift.
Svetlana: We'd understand a no. We'd just like to hear it honestly. Are you in?
The two questions
- 1How would you answer Chelsea, and why?
- 2Describe a time you had to decide whether to support someone whose earlier plans had not worked out. What did you do?
What raters look for
- Motivation
- Shows genuine, sustained drive and a clear reason for choices, including when work is unglamorous.
- Empathy
- Recognizes what others feel and need, and lets that shape the response without losing judgment.
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
