CBC Decision Making & Problem Solving 5

Question 1

A client's team keeps solving the same operational problem every quarter. What should the coach encourage the client to examine first?

Accepted Answer

Whether previous fixes addressed symptoms instead of the systemic root cause

Answer

Recurring problems usually indicate that past solutions treated symptoms rather than the underlying system cause.

Question 2

Which decision-making model describes choosing the first option that is 'good enough' rather than searching for the optimal one?

Accepted Answer

Satisficing

Answer

Satisficing, a term from Herbert Simon, means selecting the first acceptable option rather than the perfect one.

Question 3

When facilitating a client's cost-benefit analysis, which element is most often overlooked and should be probed by the coach?

Accepted Answer

Intangible and opportunity costs, such as time, morale, and foregone alternatives

Answer

Clients typically capture obvious monetary figures but miss intangibles and opportunity costs that change the decision.

Question 4

A client wants input from many stakeholders but fears loud voices will dominate the meeting. Which structured technique should the coach suggest?

Accepted Answer

Nominal group technique, where ideas are written silently and then shared and ranked

Answer

Nominal group technique equalizes participation by having members generate ideas independently before group ranking.

Question 5

What is the coach's most appropriate role when a client evaluates a high-stakes ethical dilemma in their business?

Accepted Answer

Facilitate exploration of values, stakeholders, and consequences without imposing the coach's own moral judgment

Answer

Coaches facilitate values-based reflection while keeping decision ownership and moral judgment with the client.

(CBC) Certified Business Coach Practice Test