Set 2: Management Problem-Solving Prompts
Turning Around a Struggling Project
A high-priority project is behind schedule and over budget, causing concern among stakeholders. Identify the root causes of the delays and develop a recovery strategy to bring the project back on track.
Addressing Workplace Diversity and Inclusion Issues
Employees have raised concerns about a lack of diversity and inclusion in the company. Develop an actionable strategy to create a more diverse and inclusive workplace culture.
Improving Cross-Departmental Communication
Miscommunication between departments is leading to delays and inefficiencies. Develop a structured approach to improve collaboration and streamline workflow processes.
Dealing with a Hostile Work Environment
Employees are reporting tension and hostility in the workplace, affecting morale. Identify the causes and propose a strategy to create a more positive and respectful work culture.
Managing a Difficult Stakeholder
A key stakeholder is resisting a critical business decision, causing project delays. Develop a negotiation and influence strategy to gain their support while keeping company objectives in focus.
Enhancing Customer Service Performance
Customer complaints about service quality have increased significantly. Identify key areas for improvement and create a plan to enhance customer experience and satisfaction.
Handling a Major Product Recall
A product defect has been identified, requiring an immediate recall. Develop a crisis management and communication plan to handle the situation while maintaining customer trust.
Leading a Digital Transformation Initiative
Your company is transitioning to a digital-first approach, but employees are struggling to adapt. Develop a structured digital transformation strategy, including training and adoption plans.
Creating a High-Performance Team Culture
Your team lacks motivation and accountability, resulting in missed deadlines. Develop a framework to foster a high-performance culture through goal-setting, feedback, and recognition.
Handling Ethical Dilemmas in Business
A senior executive is pushing for a decision that could be profitable but raises ethical concerns. Outline a structured approach to navigate this dilemma while upholding company values.
Scaling a Startup to the Next Level
Your startup has gained traction, but scaling operations effectively is a challenge. Develop a structured strategy to expand while maintaining agility and financial stability.
Managing a Crisis in Employee Relations
A rumor about layoffs is spreading among employees, creating panic and uncertainty. Develop a transparent communication plan to manage the situation and restore confidence.
Addressing Poor Employee Performance
A previously high-performing employee’s productivity has declined. Create a structured approach to diagnose the issue and implement a performance improvement plan.
Handling an Unexpected Leadership Vacancy
A senior leader has left unexpectedly, creating a leadership gap. Develop a contingency plan to manage the transition and identify a successor.
Navigating a Corporate Restructuring
Your company is undergoing a restructuring, leading to job role changes and uncertainty. Develop a strategy to manage employee concerns and ensure a smooth transition.
Building a Strong Company Culture in a Hybrid Work Model
Your company has adopted a hybrid work model, but employees feel disconnected. Create an initiative to strengthen company culture and employee engagement in a remote-first environment.
Managing a Brand Crisis on Social Media
A negative social media campaign is damaging your company’s reputation. Develop a rapid response plan to address concerns, control damage, and rebuild public trust.
Improving Employee Productivity Without Micromanagement
Managers are struggling to balance oversight with autonomy. Develop a strategy to boost productivity while fostering independence and trust among employees.
Handling a Supplier Dispute
A key supplier is failing to meet contract terms, disrupting business operations. Develop a negotiation and contingency plan to resolve the issue while ensuring supply chain stability.
Creating an Effective Knowledge Management System
Your company lacks a centralized system for documenting and sharing knowledge, leading to inefficiencies. Develop a plan to implement an effective knowledge management strategy.
Preparing for an Economic Downturn
Economic indicators suggest a downturn that could impact your business. Develop a risk mitigation and financial strategy to ensure business continuity.
Managing Expectations During a Company Expansion
Your company is expanding rapidly, but employees feel overwhelmed by increasing demands. Create a structured plan to manage expectations and prevent burnout.
Developing a Business Continuity Plan
Your company lacks a clear contingency plan for unexpected disruptions. Design a comprehensive business continuity strategy to prepare for crises such as cyberattacks, natural disasters, or economic instability.
Aligning Company Vision with Daily Operations
Employees struggle to see how their work aligns with the company’s vision and goals. Develop a strategy to improve alignment and ensure that everyday tasks contribute to long-term objectives.