You are a team leader and you are supposed to hold a convention on a human resources issue. However, your team members are unable to get adequate sponsorship for the event. What should you do?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: Try to motivate your team members and guide them so that they feel confident that they can still arrange the sponsorship.

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This situation-reaction question explores leadership qualities, especially how a team leader handles a challenge related to sponsorship for an important convention. Your team is struggling to obtain sufficient funds, and the test asks whether you will support and motivate them, act impulsively, or simply cancel or finance the event on your own. The scenario reveals your ability to inspire, guide and manage resources.


Given Data / Assumptions:

    - You are the team leader for a convention on a human resources topic.- The event requires sponsorship, and your team is currently unable to secure adequate funds.- The event is planned but depends on sufficient sponsorship.- You have some authority and influence over the team and the planning process.


Concept / Approach:
Good leaders do not immediately give up or take over all responsibilities themselves. Instead, they encourage and guide their team to overcome difficulties, helping members build confidence and skills. Personally funding the entire event is not sustainable and does not develop the team. Canceling or postponing the event without serious effort demotivates the group. Motivating the team and providing strategic guidance is the most balanced and leadership-oriented response.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Acknowledge the difficulty your team faces in securing sponsorship and understand the reasons behind it.Step 2: Call a meeting with your team members to discuss their efforts so far and to brainstorm alternative sponsors, approaches and networks.Step 3: Motivate them by expressing confidence in their abilities and emphasizing the importance of the convention.Step 4: Provide guidance on how to approach potential sponsors more effectively, such as preparing better proposals or using professional contacts.Step 5: Distribute tasks clearly, follow up on progress and support team members who face specific obstacles.


Verification / Alternative check:
Putting in your own money may appear self-sacrificing but can set a wrong precedent, suggesting that the leader will always bear the financial burden and removing the learning opportunity for the team. Postponing the event may sometimes be necessary, but doing so prematurely without attempting renewed efforts can harm morale. Canceling the event outright signals defeat and discouragement. Motivating the team and helping them tackle the challenge directly demonstrates true leadership and maximises the chances of eventual success.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A is financially risky and does not encourage collective responsibility. Option C may be chosen only after serious attempts and is not the first ideal reaction presented here. Option D is defeatist and undermines the team's confidence and commitment. Option B alone aligns with the role of a team leader who inspires, coaches and believes in the team's ability to deliver.


Common Pitfalls:
Leaders sometimes rush either to personally solve every problem or to cancel plans when difficulties arise. Both extremes ignore the developmental role of leadership. The exam expects you to support your team in learning how to handle obstacles, which involves motivation, guidance and shared responsibility.


Final Answer:
You should motivate your team members and guide them so that they feel capable of obtaining the required sponsorship for the convention.

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