People Leadership
Management Essentials
Business Acumen
Organizational Perspective
Wildcard
100

What does it mean to lead with vulnerability?

Leading with vulnerability means being open and authentic about one's own strengths and weaknesses, owning your mistakes, being a real person, fostering trust and connection within the team.

100

Why is it important to set clear performance objectives and provide feedback in performance management?

The importance of setting clear performance objectives lies in providing employees with a clear direction and understanding of what is expected of them, which helps align individual efforts with organizational goals. Feedback plays a crucial role in the performance management process by providing employees with insights into their performance, identifying areas for improvement, and facilitating continuous learning and development.

100

Name 2 tips for how you can develop business acumen skills

Business acumen is the ability to understand and effectively navigate the various aspects of a business, including finances, strategy, and decision-making. 10 Tips for Developing: Understanding the industry, analyze financial data, gain cross functional knowledge, develop customer insight, stay informed about the market, improve decision making skills, enhance communication skills, embrace a learning mindset, seek mentorships and guidance, emphasize business results

100

Name 2 factors in the cannabis cultivation process that influences the quality of cannabis flower

Environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and light cycles can significantly impact the quality of cannabis flower. + More (genetics, soil, irrigation, pest management, etc.)

100

What is one key takeaway you've gained from the High Potential Talent Development Program that has impacted your professional growth?

Will vary

200

What are some key steps in leading successful organizational change?

Key steps in leading successful organizational change include communicating a clear vision, getting buyin and involving the team, communicating the why and benefits, engaging stakeholders, providing support and resources, removing obstacles, listening, praising positive steps, fostering a culture of adaptability, and celebrating milestones along the way.

200

What is the difference between "need to haves" and "nice to haves" in the context of talent acquisition? (for Bonus +100) Give an example of a "nice to have" in the talent acquisition process

"Need to haves" refer to the essential qualifications or skills required for a job position, while "nice to haves" are desirable but non-essential qualifications or skills.Ex. In Canna retail - Customer service experience as a need-to-have, cannabis experience nice to have

200

Name 4 of the 7 states Ascend operates in. (Bonus 100 points: How many stores does Ascend have right now?)

MA, MI, OH, PA, NJ, IL, MD (bonus: 39)

200

Name 3 of Ascend's in-house brands (for Bonus +100) Name 1 partner brand

Answers may include: Ozone, Ozone Reserve, Simply Herb, Royale, Effin', Common Goods

Partner brands: Lowell, Edie Parker, 1906, AiroPro, Miss Grass, Binske

200

What’s the most meaningful feedback you’ve ever received, and how did it impact your professional growth?

Will vary

300

Name 5 traits of a good leader

Develops others, listens, delegates effectively, provide support, demonstrates integrity, fosters trust, inclusiveity and belonging, empathy, resilience, effective communication skills,  the ability to inspire and motivate others, etc.

300

What are three tips managers can use to resolve conflicts between team members?

Mediating a conversation, setting boundaries and ground rules, active listening, fostering open communication and dialogue, and facilitating collaborative problem-solving sessions. Tackle issues before they turn into more, etc.

300

What is the purpose of analyzing a Profit and Loss (P&L) statement?

Ensuring accuracy of financial records and identifying any discrepancies or errors.
Identifying areas where cost-saving measures or revenue-generating strategies could be implemented to improve profitability.
Evaluating the financial performance of different business units or departments and making informed decisions based on the findings.
Providing insights into trends and patterns in revenue and expenses, which can inform strategic planning and resource allocation decisions.
Communicating the financial health and performance of the organization to stakeholders, such as investors, lenders, and shareholders.

300

Discuss the consequences of non-compliance with cannabis regulations.

Non-compliance with cannabis regulations can result in severe penalties, including fines, license revocation, legal action, and reputational damage to the company.

300

Name 3 strengths that were in your Top 10 report on your Clifton Strengths assessment. 

Answers will vary. 

Follow up: How have your results influenced your work since the assessment? 

400

Share three tips for new supervisors to excel in their role.

Reintroduce yourself in 1:1, Set boundaries, tread lightly at first, set clear expectations, Recruit your "frenemies", have honest conversations to address awkward or difficult team dynamics, stay humble, involve your team wherever possible, conduct your way to credibility, actively listening to employees, providing constructive feedback and support, and leading by example through demonstrating integrity and accountability, and more.

400

What does SMART stand for in SMART Goals?

Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

400

Discuss the steps involved in solving a problem using root cause analysis and how this problem solving process contributes to identifying and resolving underlying issues.

Identify the Problem: Clearly define the issue or challenge that needs to be addressed.
Gather Data: Collect relevant data and information related to the problem, including factors contributing to the issue.
Analyze Data: Review and analyze the data to identify patterns, trends, or anomalies that may be causing the problem.
Identify Root Causes: Determine the underlying causes or factors that are driving the problem.
Develop Solutions: Generate potential solutions or strategies for addressing the root causes identified.
Implement Solutions: Put the chosen solutions into action, monitoring their effectiveness and making adjustments as needed.

400

What department at AWH serves as the bridge between production and sales, facilitating the introduction of new products into the market and ensuring their successful launch? They focus on the Right Product, Right Price, Right Place, Right Time, Right Volume. Anything that touches the customer.

Commercial

400

Explain the importance of adaptability and resilience in navigating change and uncertainty within the workplace.

Adaptability and resilience are crucial qualities that enable individuals to navigate change and uncertainty effectively in the workplace. By being adaptable, individuals can adjust to new circumstances, embrace innovation, and seize opportunities for growth. Resilience helps individuals bounce back from setbacks, maintain a positive outlook, and persevere in the face of challenges, ultimately contributing to personal and professional success.

500

What are the inner and outer components of leadership presence

Mastering the outer component of leadership presence involves refining visible behaviors such as actions, communication style, and overall impression. This includes how a leader behaves, communicates, and presents themselves, influencing how they are perceived by others. On the other hand, mastering the inner component focuses on cultivating qualities like confidence, credibility, and emotional self-management, which are felt by others in the leader's presence. By integrating both inner and outer components, leaders can establish a strong presence that inspires trust, fosters meaningful connections, and effectively motivates their teams toward shared goals.

500

Explain the difference between a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP), Record of Discussion (ROD), and Individual Development Plan (IDP).

A Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) is designed to help underperforming employees improve their performance through specific goals, timelines, and support mechanisms. A Record of Discussion (ROD) is a documentation of a formal conversation between a manager and an employee about performance-related issues. An Individual Development Plan (IDP) outlines an employee's career goals, areas for growth, and strategies for skill development and career advancement.

500

In your own words, what is EBITBA?

EBITDA stands for Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization. It is a measure of a company's operating performance, excluding non-operating expenses such as interest, taxes, and depreciation. EBITDA provides insight into the profitability of a company's core business operations and is commonly used to assess its financial health and compare performance across industries.

500

What are the legal implications of operating a cannabis business in multiple states?

Operating a cannabis business in multiple states entails navigating complex legal frameworks, including compliance with state-specific regulations, licensing requirements, tax laws, and interstate commerce regulations.

500

In what ways can leaders drive results within their teams and organizations

Leaders can drive results within their teams and organizations by setting clear goals and expectations, providing regular feedback and coaching, fostering a culture of accountability, and empowering team members to take ownership of their work and contribute to achieving organizational objectives.