Scene to read · Self-awareness, Empathy
Not a day for jokes
You work the register at a pharmacy pickup counter.
Handing Dong, 51, his order, you joked that the bag was nearly as big as your weekly groceries. He didn't smile. He answers you, then walks off to the waiting chairs at the far end of the store to see the pharmacist. Once he's gone, your coworker Sanjay, 19, steps over from restocking the shelf.
The scene
Dong: I know you meant it kindly. Where I grew up, you don't joke with strangers. Not today, please.
Sanjay: You do that with everyone, you know. Most regulars actually like the jokes.
Sanjay: But he looked worn out. Maybe read people before the bit?
The two questions
- 1Would you go over to Dong before he leaves, and how would you respond to what Sanjay said?
- 2How can you tell when a habit that usually helps you connect with people is not what someone needs?
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
