Scene to read · Self-awareness, Empathy
First day on the register
You are in a grocery checkout lane with your friend Bashir.
A minute ago, with a line behind you, you snapped at the cashier, Tavita, for being slow. His supervisor is at the service desk across the aisle, out of sight. Your friend Bashir, who is 75, is beside you with the cart, looking at the floor.
The scene
Tavita: I'm so sorry. It's my first day, and the scanner keeps freezing.
Bashir: It's fine, really. We're not in any rush.
Tavita: My supervisor heard you. She picks tonight who stays on.
Tavita: Please don't go talk to her, though. I'd rather it just blew over.
The two questions
- 1What would you do and say in the next minute?
- 2What makes an apology more than words, and how do you decide when and where to offer one?
What raters look for
- Self-awareness
- Recognizes own biases, limits and emotions, and seeks and uses feedback.
- 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
