Fast Stream Leadership & Management Competencies 2

Question 1

You are managing a high-performing team. One member's performance drops suddenly. What is the first step?

Accepted Answer

Have a private, supportive conversation to understand what has changed

Answer

A supportive private conversation is the proportionate first response. There may be personal or professional factors affecting performance. Jumping to formal process without conversation is disproportionate.

Question 2

How does the Civil Service define 'psychological safety' in a team context?

Accepted Answer

An environment where team members feel safe to speak up, challenge ideas, and admit mistakes without fear

Answer

Psychological safety means team members trust that they can voice concerns, ideas or mistakes without being punished. It is a key driver of high-performing teams.

Question 3

You are asked to give a performance rating to a team member you manage. You personally like them. What must you guard against?

Accepted Answer

Affinity bias — rating them more favourably because of personal connection

Answer

Affinity bias is the specific tendency to rate people we like more positively. Awareness of this bias is essential for fair performance management.

Question 4

What does 'inclusive leadership' require of a manager?

Accepted Answer

Actively seeking diverse perspectives, addressing barriers to inclusion, and ensuring equitable opportunities for all team members

Answer

Inclusive leadership is active, not passive. It involves removing barriers, amplifying underrepresented voices, and creating equitable (not identical) conditions for all team members.

Question 5

A senior official delegates a task to you but does not explain the context. What is the best approach?

Accepted Answer

Ask for the context and purpose so you can make good judgements during the task

Answer

Understanding context enables you to exercise good judgement and flag risks. Asking for context is professional and shows initiative, not weakness.

Fast Stream Practice Test

Fast Stream Practice Test

Fast Stream Leadership & Management Competencies 2