Multiple choice

You are an Under Secretary in a Ministry. One day the Director (your boss) calls you and assigns you a file which is to be read and fully prepared with a Power-Point presentation for a meeting with the Secretary next day. The issue and meeting are very important, but as per the work assignment it should be handled by your colleague (another Under Secretary) who somehow manages to escape from shouldering such challenging jobs.

What should be your reaction in front of your boss?

  1. Accept the file and assignment willingly and immerse yourself in the work.

  2. Politely refuse to take the file.

  3. Accept the file, but then speak to your boss’s superior officer and let him know that your boss is being unfair.

  4. Accept the file, but clearly tell your boss that it is last time that you are handling your colleague’s work.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Rationale/Reasoning Willing acceptance of the file reveals your readiness to shoulder additional responsibility and is the best course of action. Refusal to shoulder a colleague’s work may stem from a perceived sense of injustice. But this perception may not be true. If your boss assigns you important and urgent work, then it shows the trust he reposes in your abilities.  Refusal to take up work which is important and urgent will be against office norms. Besides, it may tarnish your personal reputation vis-à-vis your boss. Principle/Value Tested Readiness to shoulder additional responsibility

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