When faced with a gap between what is available and what the mission requires, what is the recommended course of action?

• A. Acknowledge the gap, reassess plan and priorities, and reallocate or request resources with intent.
• B. Ignore the gap and continue with the current plan.
• C. Delay action until resources magically appear.
• D. Push all decisions down to junior team members.

Answer: (A)

When you face a gap between what’s available and what the mission requires, the move that shows true ownership is to acknowledge the shortfall, reassess the plan and priorities, and reallocate or request resources with clear intent. This approach keeps the mission in focus while actively shaping how to get there. It demonstrates accountability: you’re not waiting for perfect conditions, you’re diagnosing the constraint, adjusting the approach, and securing what you need to move forward.

This is the best course because it translates awareness into action. Acknowledging the gap and revising the plan prevents drift and ensures resources are used where they’ll make the most impact. Reallocating within the team or asking for additional resources with a specific objective keeps leadership decisions deliberate and aligned with the mission, rather than leaving the gap to fester.

Other options rely on avoidance or passivity. Ignoring the gap lets the problem grow and undermines credibility. Delaying action in the hope that resources will magically appear is wishful thinking and wastes critical time. Pushing every decision down to junior team members abdicates ownership and breaks the chain of accountability.