CPE Communication and Interpersonal Skills 3

Question 1

A physician executive must communicate a hospital merger to staff amid uncertainty about job security. Which principle should guide the messaging?

Accepted Answer

Communicate frequently with what is known, acknowledge uncertainty, and outline next steps

Answer

Transparent, frequent communication — even when information is incomplete — builds trust during organizational change.

Question 2

Which nonverbal behavior is most likely to signal disengagement during a one-on-one leadership conversation?

Accepted Answer

Repeatedly glancing at a phone or watch

Answer

Repeated glancing at devices signals that the listener is distracted and not fully present in the conversation.

Question 3

In cross-cultural communication within a diverse medical team, a physician executive should FIRST:

Accepted Answer

Assess individual and cultural preferences before tailoring communication style

Answer

Effective cross-cultural communication requires awareness and adaptation to individual and cultural communication preferences.

Question 4

A physician executive wants to improve upward communication — ensuring frontline staff feel comfortable sharing concerns with leadership. The most effective mechanism is:

Accepted Answer

Conducting anonymous safety surveys and acting visibly on results

Answer

Anonymous surveys combined with visible follow-through demonstrate that speaking up leads to action and is safe.

Question 5

During a press conference following an adverse patient event, the physician executive should primarily communicate:

Accepted Answer

Empathy for those affected, the steps being taken, and what is known factually

Answer

In crisis communication, leading with empathy and factual updates while committing to ongoing transparency is the evidence-based approach.

(CPE) Certified Physician Executive Practice Test

(CPE) Certified Physician Executive Practice Test

CPE Communication and Interpersonal Skills 3