ISM LEAD Exam - Topic 6 Question 16 Discussion

Actual exam question for ISM's LEAD exam

Question #: 16
Topic #: 6

[All LEAD Questions]

A new buyer is hired, and over time the department supervisor notices the buyer's writing style is consistently unprofessional. To improve the buyer's written communications, the supervisor edits several of the buyer's memos, and returns them with a note as an example of how company communications should be written. However, this does not result in any changes in the buyer's writing style.

How should the supervisor rate the "written communication" portion of the buyer's performance review?

AAcceptable; deficiencies addressed, but continual monitoring until annual review

BUnsatisfactory; performance improvement plan necessary

CSatisfactory; deficiency addressed and no additional or further review necessary

DNeeds improvement; course on business writing required

Show Suggested Answer

Suggested Answer: B

Assessment of current performance: The supervisor's feedback has not resulted in improvement in the buyer's writing style.

Performance evaluation criteria: Unprofessional writing is a significant issue, especially if the provided feedback has not led to any changes.

Performance improvement plan: According to performance management principles, an unsatisfactory rating with a performance improvement plan is appropriate when initial corrective actions fail.

Reference: ''Performance Management: Key Strategies and Practical Guidelines'' by Michael Armstrong discusses the necessity of performance improvement plans for consistent performance issues.

by Leslee at Nov 19, 2024, 12:26 PM

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Julieta

3 months ago

I think A is reasonable. At least the supervisor tried to help!

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Karol

3 months ago

D seems fair too. A writing course could really help.

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Jules

4 months ago

Surprised it didn't change after edits. How can you not learn from that?

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Wilda

4 months ago

Totally agree, B is the way to go. Can't let that slide!

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Kimberlie

4 months ago

I'd go with B. If the writing hasn't improved, a performance plan is needed.

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Ligia

4 months ago

I’m leaning towards "Unsatisfactory" because if the writing style hasn’t improved after feedback, it might indicate a bigger issue that needs addressing.

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Giovanna

4 months ago

I feel like "Acceptable" could work since the supervisor did try to help, but it seems like the buyer really needs more guidance.

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Kandis

5 months ago

This situation seems similar to a practice question we had about performance reviews. I think "Needs improvement" might be the right choice since the buyer hasn't made any changes.

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Glory

5 months ago

I remember discussing how important it is to provide constructive feedback, but I'm not sure if just editing the memos is enough to change the buyer's habits.

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Alysa

5 months ago

This seems like a situation where the supervisor needs to be more proactive. A "Needs improvement" rating and a required business writing course could be the best approach.

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Pansy

5 months ago

I'm a bit confused on this one. The question doesn't give a clear indication of how severe the writing issues are. I might go with "Acceptable" and continued monitoring.

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Krystal

5 months ago

Okay, so the supervisor tried to provide feedback, but the buyer's writing didn't improve. I'm leaning towards an "Unsatisfactory" rating and a performance improvement plan.

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Glenna

5 months ago

Hmm, this is a tricky one. I'll need to carefully weigh the options and consider the implications of each rating.

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Jamal

1 year ago

I'm not sure what's worse - the buyer's writing or the supervisor's editing skills. Maybe they should just communicate via interpretive dance from now on.

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Sylvie

1 year ago

D) Needs improvement; course on business writing required

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Darci

1 year ago

A) Acceptable; deficiencies addressed, but continual monitoring until annual review

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Kent

1 year ago

B) Unsatisfactory; performance improvement plan necessary

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Jovita

1 year ago

A) Acceptable; deficiencies addressed, but continual monitoring until annual review

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Brunilda

1 year ago

I think the supervisor should give a Needs improvement rating and suggest a business writing course to help the buyer improve.

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Wilda

1 year ago

I agree with Hollis. The buyer's writing style needs to improve for effective communication within the company.

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Hollis

1 year ago

I think the supervisor should rate it as Unsatisfactory and implement a performance improvement plan.

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Isadora

1 year ago

If the buyer's writing is that bad, maybe we should just send them back to kindergarten. At least they'd learn how to hold a pencil properly!

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Valene

1 year ago

Ooh, this is a tricky one! I'd say 'Satisfactory; deficiency addressed and no additional or further review necessary.' Why not give the buyer a chance to prove they've learned their lesson?

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Josphine

1 year ago

This is a tough one, but I think 'Acceptable; deficiencies addressed, but continual monitoring until annual review' is the way to go. The supervisor gave feedback, so let's see if the buyer can shape up.

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