Communication & Leadership Skills Flashcards
7 cards from real STP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Communication & Leadership Skills flashcards as text
An STP scientist is leading a project meeting where a senior colleague repeatedly interrupts junior members. What is the most appropriate action?
Answer: Politely redirect the conversation and create structured speaking opportunities for all
Redirecting the conversation and providing structured turns ensures psychological safety and inclusive participation without direct confrontation.
Which written communication format is most appropriate for formally documenting a change in standard operating procedure (SOP) within a laboratory?
Answer: An updated, version-controlled SOP document with change history
SOPs require formal, version-controlled documentation to ensure traceability, compliance, and consistent practice across the team.
According to Tuckman's stages of group development, what stage follows 'Storming'?
Answer: Norming
In Tuckman's model, teams move from Storming (conflict) to Norming (establishing norms and cohesion) before reaching Performing.
A scientist is asked to give a 10-minute presentation to clinical colleagues about a new diagnostic test. Which element is LEAST important for this audience?
Answer: Detailed statistical derivation of the test thresholds
Detailed statistical derivations are less relevant to clinical colleagues who need practical, patient-centred information to make implementation decisions.
What is the primary purpose of a '360-degree feedback' process in leadership development?
Answer: To gather performance input from managers, peers, and direct reports for holistic development
360-degree feedback collects multi-source perspectives to give leaders a comprehensive, balanced view of their strengths and development areas.
When managing an urgent project deadline, a scientist leader must prioritise tasks. Which framework is most commonly used for this purpose?
Answer: Eisenhower Matrix (urgent vs. important)
The Eisenhower Matrix categorises tasks by urgency and importance, helping leaders prioritise effectively under time pressure.
An STP trainee disagrees with their supervisor's interpretation of experimental data. How should they raise this concern professionally?
Answer: Request a one-to-one meeting and present evidence-based reasoning calmly
A private, evidence-based discussion respects hierarchy while upholding scientific integrity and professional communication standards.