Question

John from sales has just sent you an e-mail. He needs a decision made on the Johnson account as soon as possible. You can make the decision, but you feel like you’d like to ask your boss for her advice. Unfortunately, she is in a business meeting, and the decision needs to be made very soon. You decide to take the initiative and ______.
a.
Interrupt your boss to make the decision
b.
Ask a coworker to make the decision
c.
Wait to make the decision
d.
Make the decision
John from sales has just sent you an e-mail. He needs a decision made on the Johnson account as soon as possible. You can make the decision, but you feel like you’d like to ask your boss for her advice. Unfortunately, she is in a business meeting, and the decision needs to be made very soon. You decide to take the initiative and ______.
a.
Interrupt your boss to make the decision
b.
Ask a coworker to make the decision
c.
Wait to make the decision
d.
Make the decision

Answer 1

d. Make the decision.

You’re authorized and the decision is time-sensitive; interrupting your boss or waiting would cause unnecessary delay, and passing it to a coworker would abdicate responsibility. After deciding, notify John and brief your boss when she’s available, including the reasoning and any follow-up needed.