Hypothetical Scenarios

Tips (Howard's Helpful Hypothetical Hints)

1. Informing a superior is a must, as is seeking immediate advice from colleagues and determining precedent.
2. When time permits, reference embassy manuals.
3. Take charge of the situation (How? It depends; but it demonstrates leadership where it is warranted).
4. Analyze the situation and consider the consequences of potential actions.
5. Document/log any or all official requests or communiqués.
6. Maintain composure and act diplomatically, empathetically or however the situation calls for.
7. Reach out to host country's services (e.g. coast guard) IF official US policy permits.
8. Utilize military channels, intelligence assets, etc., if they are available to assist with the problem.
9. Plan for contingencies (this sets you up for being able to address the follow-up question).
10. Maintain flexibility and keep supervisors informed of changes in the situation.
11. Offer all standard embassy services where applicable.
12. Always be guided by policy, procedure, precedent and the best interests of the United States.
13. The hypothetical scenarios challenge candidates to think quickly. Assessors look for a candidate who can organize for action, take responsibility, and respond to new situations creatively and effectively. While there is no single correct answer, a strong candidate will demonstrate mature thinking, recognize alternative approaches, and consider both the long- and short-term consequences of responses.
14. In a SI scenario presented in a DIR Session there was a question of how to prioritize two problems: a personnel issue between two FSO’s regarding purchases and a problem with line-items in the budget that were in the red. While first impulse might be to consider the budget a priority over a personnel issue, the DIR advised that a personnel issue is more important. As a supervisor or administrator we have been taught to always be aware of where your budget stands and that there will always be personnel issues, but not paying attention to the budget is just asking for trouble from your supervisors. The DIR repeated "That's what it says here, the personnel issue." An important lesson about how the FS works: Give them what they want. At an embassy or consulate, you work with and often live a stone's throw from your colleagues. Personnel issues can affect morale very deeply, especially at small posts, and are much better addressed swiftly. Rumors, cliques, taking sides, and other byproducts of static among coworkers affect the work environment, the work itself, and can escalate to long-term tit for tat behavior between "factions." The people make or break a tour, so you want them getting along. Ranking a problem #2 does not mean it is not important, and does not necessarily mean it can't be addressed for days or weeks. In this case, you might make the phone calls/office visits to arrange a meeting with the 2 FSO’s and the Purchasing Officer first, and then make the other phone call(s)/office visits initiating action to review the budget. If the FSO’s can't find a common meeting time until the afternoon, you can still pursue the budget problem in the morning…just after having initiated some activity toward resolving the personnel problem.
15. During the hypotheticals, try to give answers that address multiple aspects of the problem for example cover contacting your supervisor as well as HQ, try to deal with local contacts, and attempt to solve the issue directly.

Attachments & Practice

• You should spend some time on one sample hypothetical and work it out completely until your satisfied with the results.
• After that you should have a friend read you the attached hypotheticals ripped from the Yahoo! group and follow-ups and you should answer them as they are read to you.

Hypothetical-Scenarios-Flashcards.doc