Randy manages a team of computer programmers. The team is working on multiple projects, and every member is feeling overworked. Senior management wants Randy’s team to take on another huge project without adding more programmers to the team. How should Randy respond to demonstrate effective assertiveness? oo A) “I cannot, in good conscience, ask my overworked team to take on more work!” B) “If we take on this work, everyone will need to work overtime for many weeks.” “We will try our best, but I am going to have a very unhappy team and risk losing good C) workers.” D) “To accept this work, we will need to talk with our clients about extending some deadlines.” SUBMIT Question 11 of 19
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: D) “To accept this work, we will need to talk with our clients about extending some deadlines.”
Explanation:
Effective assertiveness involves communicating one’s needs and boundaries in a respectful, clear, and solution-oriented way. It is not aggressive, passive, or passive-aggressive, but rather a balanced approach that respects both one’s own rights and those of others. In this scenario, Randy is faced with an unreasonable demand—taking on a huge new project without additional resources—while his team is already overworked.
Option D demonstrates effective assertiveness because Randy does not flatly refuse the new project, nor does he simply accept it under unreasonable conditions. Instead, he presents a realistic condition under which the project could be accepted: negotiating timelines with clients. This positions Randy as cooperative and solution-oriented, while also protecting his team’s well-being and ensuring the quality of work does not suffer due to burnout or unrealistic deadlines.
Let’s evaluate the other options briefly:
- Option A is emotionally charged and may come across as defensive or confrontational. While it conveys concern for the team, it lacks a constructive path forward.
- Option B is a passive-aggressive response. It communicates the problem but emphasizes the negative consequences, which can seem like a guilt tactic rather than a professional negotiation.
- Option C implies a willingness to proceed under duress. It does not challenge the fairness of the request or offer a real solution, making it a passive response.
By contrast, Option D acknowledges the issue, respects the team’s current capacity, and proposes a reasonable adjustment. This is the hallmark of effective assertiveness in professional settings—balancing advocacy for your team with a willingness to engage in practical problem-solving.
