After reading the scenario, I am torn between the two applicants. Both candidates do one thing well but lack in the other area. I think in this particular situation I would rather have Jaime, who is more consistent than Avery who can perform at high levels but fails to do a good job day-to-day. This scenario requires individuals to assess what values are more important to them. Do you value consistency and reliability or do you emphasize results? This is what I asked myself when trying to pick an answer and ultimately I choose consistency and reliability. I think that day-to-day will outweigh the “clutch” situations that are described in the scenario. In an employee I want someone who has a good attitude, reliable, and engaged. Jamie has all of these characteristics. I think that even during the clutch/stressful situations I as a manager can help give Jamie support to make sure he meets the requirements rather than having to check on Avery every day to make sure that they are on task.

A type of job that I want some with high potential and low consistency would be an entry level job maybe in sales. My rational for this is because if this person is young and has potential, you can help them work on their consistency and motivate them with the financial incentives that come with sales..

A type of job that I want some with low potential and high consistency would be an HR position. My thinking behind this is because HR is a pretty dead end department of business so having someone who can deal with all the nitty gritty day-to-day activities would be better for someone who is consistent.