Test Two · Lesson 2
The five dilemma structures
SRTs are engineered around a small set of conflict structures. If you learn to recognise the structure, you respond in seconds instead of freezing.
Emergency 1. Emergency / Crisis
- Stakes: time-critical, physical. e.g. "You witness a road accident." / "A fire breaks out in a crowded area."
- Tested: composure, presence of mind, sequencing under pressure.
- SOP: stabilise → get help → prevent escalation. Mobilise and delegate; never solo-heroics.
Ethical 2. Ethical Dilemma: Duty vs Loyalty / Self
- e.g. "A colleague is involved in unethical practices." / "You see a senior officer taking a bribe."
- Tested: integrity without recklessness.
- SOP: act on principle through the proper channel. The mature answer reports or confronts appropriately; it neither ignores nor grandstands. (Full deep-dive →)
Interpersonal 3. Interpersonal / Social Conflict
- e.g. "A friend borrows money and doesn't repay."
- Tested: tact, social adjustment, solving the problem while preserving the relationship.
- SOP: address it directly but without humiliating the other party.
Team 4. Team / Leadership Under Strain
- e.g. "Your team is struggling to meet a deadline."
- Tested: cooperation, influence, organising ability.
- SOP: diagnose → redistribute → lead from within the team, not above it.
Personal 5. Personal / Competing Priorities
- e.g. "A family emergency on the day of an important meeting."
- Tested: whether you can hold responsibility on both fronts rather than abandoning one.
- SOP: prioritise honestly → delegate or arrange coverage → close the loop. (Full deep-dive →)