Lory Hawkes
This is the candidate’s answer to the following question (reprinted from Lory Hawkes: Questions & Answers) :
Provide an example of a time when you had to keep from speaking or making a decision because you did not have enough information.
I use more deliberation than speedy calculation when determining a fair grade for good students who suddenly miss classes. By listening to why the students have missed class rather than rushing to record a poor grade, I gain a better understanding of why they are not performing to their full potential. In cases of extenuating circumstances, I can allow them to make up the work.
Nathaniel Lim
This is the candidate’s answer to the following question (reprinted from Nathaniel Lim: Questions & Answers) :
Provide an example of a time when you had to keep from speaking or making a decision because you did not have enough information.
I live in a townhouse with three other units. One homeowner found evidence of termites. After a few meetings and a few bids from exterminators, we decided to fumigate the building, but could not decide on an exterminator. The bids all seemed about the same. I suggested we hold off until we got references, so the other homeowners left it to me to get them. When I contacted them, only one responded with strong references. Thus, we accepted that bid. The other homeowners “patted me on the back” for waiting and getting more information.
Preeti Mathur
This is the candidate’s answer to the following question (reprinted from Preeti Mathur: Questions & Answers:
Provide an example of a time when you had to keep from speaking or making a decision because you did not have enough information.
When I was a board member of another association, there was an instance when an organization with religious affiliation tried to have my association sponsor a talk that they were organizing. We learned rather late from another board member that the speaker was known to create controversy, and it was not in the best interest of a secular organization like ours to be associated with him or the event. As the event was on the following day and I had not checked out the facts for myself, I abstained from casting my vote.
Although this is not easy for me to do because I trust too easily, this incident taught me not to expect anything on face value—some people have hidden agendas.
Linda Mikkelson
This is the candidate’s answer to the following question (reprinted from Linda Mikkelsen: Questions & Answers:
Provide an example of a time when you had to keep from speaking or making a decision because you did not have enough information.
Throughout my tenure as president of STC Twin Cities, I chose to defer decisions or not speak whenever I felt that I did not have complete information. I created a “next meeting issues” list that required research prior to our next council meeting. Each meeting, we chose to address those issues first and then move to other business. This strategy serves me well even now, especially when answering member questions about Society direction and recent decisions. If I don’t know the specific answer to a question, I feel free to say, “Let me gather some more information and get back to you about that.” People respect that and know they will get an answer that is correct and reasoned.