17.6 Self-Test Scoring Guidelines

17.6 Self-Test Scoring Guidelines

After you answer the questions in each of the self-tests that appear in this chapter, determine your score and evaluate your skills using the following scoring guidelines.

Table 1 Fun Self-Test: Can You Persuade Others?

For questions 1, 2, 4, 8, 10, and 11, use the following to calculate your score:

For questions 3, 5, 6, 7, and 9 use the following to calculate your score:

If your score is between 40 and 55, you have an excellent ability to persuade others. A score between 30 and 39 means you have reasonably good persuasion skills. However, you may need to improve your listening and communicating skills. A score below 30 means that you might need to work on your persuasion skills. Consider researching how to improve this skill set.

Table 2 Self-Test: Are You Good at Office Politics?

For questions 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, 12, and 13, give yourself 1 point if you said “true.” For questions 2, 5, 6, 9, and 11, give yourself 1 point if you said “false.” If your score is 9 or below, you may be good at managing your work, but you need to improve your political skills. Navigating office politics means working through interpersonal relationships and sometimes even conflicts to accomplish goals. It might also mean forming alliances with coworkers or employees in other departments who might help you in the workplace. If your score is low, consider researching ways to better navigate office politics and review the tips offered in the chapter.

Table 4 Self-Test: How Well Do You Manage Your Time?

For questions 2, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, and 15, use the following to calculate your score:

For questions 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, and 12, use the following to calculate your score:

If your score is 60 or higher, you have excellent time management skills. Congratulations—you use your time well! If your score is below 60, consider finding ways to better manage your time. You can utilize online resources to find ways to help with your time management or find a time-management tool that fits your needs as a starting point. The chapter has additional tips that may be useful in improving your time-management skills.

Table 5 Self-Test: Are You Good at Managing Money?

For questions 2, 3, 5, 6, 10, and 11, use the following to calculate your score:

For questions 1, 4, 7, 8, and 9, use the following to calculate your score:

If your score is 44 or higher, you are able to manage money while balancing your expenses and income. You will be ready to handle financial emergencies without turning to friends or relatives. If your score is between 36 and 43, your savings habits may be inconsistent. To achieve better savings, control your expenses and avoid unnecessary purchases. If your score is 35 or below, you should consider evaluating your spending habits. You can get better control of your finances by reviewing your spending activities, reducing your credit card debt, and creating a budget. Meeting with a financial advisor can help as you look forward to planning for the future such as making a home purchase or saving for retirement.

Table 6 Self-Test: Do You Have Good Study Habits?

If you answered “yes” to questions 3, 5, 7, 8, and 11, give yourself 1 point for each answer.

If you answered “no” to questions 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 10, and 12, give yourself 1 point for each answer.

If your score is 10 or above, congratulations! You have good study habits. If your score is below 10, read the tips offered in the chapter on improving your study skills. You may also meet with someone at your school to help maximize your study time.

Table 7 Self-Test: How Assertive Are You?

For questions 1, 3, 4, 7, 9, and 13, use the following to calculate your score:

For questions 2, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, and 12, use the following to calculate your score:

If your score is 44 or higher, you stand up for your rights while showing respect for others. You quickly respond to unfair criticism. You should be able to fare well in office politics. If your score is 43 or lower, you may want to consider ways to become more comfortable communicating your ideas and opinions and managing your relationships with others.

Table 8 Self-Test: Are You a Good Listener?

For questions 3, 4, 8, and 9, use the following to calculate your score:

For questions 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, and 10, use the following to calculate your score:

Listening is an important communication skill that will help you succeed in your career. By becoming an effective listener, you gain respect from your colleagues, pick up insights and ideas on improving your job performance, and develop a skill that is important in managing others. If you have a score of 32 or above, then you are a good listener. If your score falls below 32, you need to improve your listening skills. Search the internet for articles and ideas on becoming a better listener, and begin practicing your new skills with your friends and coworkers.