USPS · Work Scenarios

A new carrier on your team asks you how to handle a situation that your supervisor has not specifically covered in training. What do you do?

Correct answer

Give them your best advice based on your own experience and suggest they confirm with the supervisor if uncertain — sharing knowledge helps the team

  1. A Tell them to figure it out themselves
  2. B Give them your best advice based on your own experience and suggest they confirm with the supervisor if uncertain — sharing knowledge helps the team
  3. C Tell them the wrong thing to see what happens
  4. D Tell them nothing because it's not your responsibility

Why this is the answer

Team orientation includes helping new colleagues succeed. Sharing experience-based knowledge — while directing them to verify with the supervisor for uncertain situations — is both helpful and responsible. Experienced carriers who mentor newer ones create stronger teams and reduce errors. The supervisor confirmation suggestion shows you understand the limits of peer advice.
Source: USPS 474 VEA, Teamwork and Mentoring