ATI Leadership and Management Proctored Exam Answers

Achieving success in high-stakes evaluations for managerial roles requires more than just theoretical knowledge. A solid grasp of key concepts, paired with strategic preparation, can greatly improve your performance and confidence. Understanding the structure of these tests and focusing on critical areas will allow you to approach the challenge with clarity and precision.

Preparing thoroughly involves reviewing core principles and familiarizing yourself with the types of scenarios likely to appear. The goal is not just to memorize information, but to build a deep understanding that will allow you to respond with confidence and accuracy. With the right approach, even complex problems can become manageable.

Utilizing practice materials and time management techniques is crucial. Simulating real test conditions can help you develop a rhythm and reduce anxiety. Being prepared means knowing what to expect and having the tools to tackle every question effectively, ensuring that you’re not just ready, but prepared to excel.

ATI Leadership and Management Exam Insights

Understanding the structure and key components of a high-stakes assessment designed for individuals seeking roles in guiding teams and overseeing projects is essential for success. These evaluations often focus on evaluating critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities within a professional environment. Mastery of these skills allows candidates to perform effectively under pressure while addressing realistic workplace scenarios.

In order to prepare effectively, it’s important to break down the areas most commonly tested. These can range from interpersonal communication to strategic planning. By recognizing the most frequently assessed topics, you can focus your study efforts where they will have the greatest impact.

Topic	Description
Problem-Solving Skills	Ability to assess situations, identify key issues, and apply effective solutions.
Communication Strategies	Understanding how to communicate clearly and persuasively in a business environment.
Team Dynamics	How to manage different personalities and foster effective teamwork.
Conflict Resolution	Approaches to resolving disagreements and maintaining harmony in a professional setting.
Decision-Making	Identifying the best course of action under pressure and with limited information.

Focusing on these areas will prepare you for the types of questions and scenarios you will encounter. Practice is key, as it helps refine your approach and enhances your ability to perform well during the assessment.

Understanding the ATI Proctored Exam Format

When preparing for a formal assessment designed to evaluate professional capabilities, it is essential to understand its structure and expectations. Familiarizing yourself with the layout of these evaluations allows you to manage your time effectively and approach each section with confidence. Knowing what to expect helps reduce anxiety and increases your ability to perform well under pressure.

The format of these assessments typically includes a mix of multiple-choice questions, scenario-based problems, and case studies. Each section is designed to test different aspects of your skills, from decision-making to strategic planning. Below is an overview of the typical components you may encounter:

• Multiple-Choice Questions: These questions assess your understanding of key concepts and your ability to recall and apply information in various situations.
• Scenario-Based Questions: These questions present hypothetical workplace situations and test your ability to analyze and address problems effectively.
• Case Studies: Detailed scenarios requiring you to apply critical thinking, assess multiple variables, and make well-reasoned decisions.
• Time Management Challenges: You may face sections where time constraints are applied, challenging you to think quickly and manage your time wisely.

By understanding these components, you can tailor your preparation to cover all areas comprehensively. Practicing under similar conditions will help you improve your accuracy and speed during the actual assessment.

Essential Study Tips for Success

Success in any professional evaluation relies on more than just reviewing notes or memorizing facts. A strategic approach to studying, along with effective time management, is key to mastering the material and performing at your best. Developing a structured study plan tailored to the specific requirements of the assessment will ensure you cover all necessary topics while also allowing time for review and practice.

Focus on Key Concepts

Instead of trying to learn everything at once, focus on the core concepts most likely to appear in the evaluation. Prioritize understanding the underlying principles behind various theories and practices, as this will enable you to apply them in different scenarios. Use study materials such as textbooks, online resources, and practice questions to reinforce your knowledge.

Practice Under Realistic Conditions

Simulating the actual test environment can improve your performance significantly. Practice with time limits and under similar conditions to those you will face during the assessment. This not only helps you manage time effectively but also builds confidence and reduces the stress of unexpected challenges. Regularly practicing with sample questions and case studies will help you refine your decision-making skills and improve your response accuracy.

Key Areas Tested in Leadership and Management

In any formal assessment designed to evaluate professional abilities in guiding teams and overseeing projects, specific competencies are tested to ensure candidates are well-prepared for real-world situations. These assessments focus on areas critical to success in a professional environment, where effective decision-making, communication, and problem-solving are essential. By understanding which topics are emphasized, you can focus your preparation on the areas that matter most.

Decision-Making and Problem-Solving

One of the primary areas tested involves your ability to make informed decisions in complex situations. This includes identifying key problems, analyzing available data, and selecting the most effective course of action. Assessments may present you with scenarios where you must apply your critical thinking skills to solve problems under time constraints, testing both your judgment and creativity.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Effective communication is essential for any professional, especially when managing teams or interacting with stakeholders. Assessments often include questions on how to communicate ideas clearly, handle difficult conversations, and influence others in a constructive manner. Demonstrating your ability to convey information accurately and build relationships is key to success in these areas.

How to Prepare for the ATI Exam

Preparing for a professional assessment requires a structured approach that combines understanding the content with effective study strategies. Proper preparation involves setting clear goals, practicing regularly, and refining your ability to apply knowledge in practical situations. By organizing your study sessions and focusing on key areas, you can ensure that you are ready for the challenges presented during the assessment.

Here are some essential steps to help you prepare:

• Review Core Concepts: Focus on the most important topics that are likely to appear in the evaluation. This may include areas such as problem-solving, decision-making, communication strategies, and team dynamics.
• Practice with Sample Questions: Use practice tests to familiarize yourself with the question format and types of scenarios you might encounter. This will help you build confidence and improve your speed.
• Simulate Real Test Conditions: Time yourself while taking practice tests to mimic the pressure of the actual assessment. This will help you manage time effectively and reduce stress.
• Identify Weak Areas: Take note of areas where you struggle and dedicate extra time to reviewing these topics. Understanding your weaknesses allows you to strengthen your overall performance.
• Stay Consistent: Set a study schedule that allows for regular review without cramming. Consistency is key to retaining information and improving your skills over time.

By following these steps and remaining focused, you will be well-equipped to tackle the evaluation and perform at your best. Preparation is the key to confidence and success.

Time Management Strategies for Exam Day

Effective time management on the day of a professional assessment is crucial for success. With a limited amount of time to answer a variety of questions, it is essential to develop strategies that help you maximize efficiency while maintaining accuracy. Planning how to allocate your time wisely can prevent unnecessary stress and ensure that you complete each section of the test to the best of your ability.

Here are some strategies to help manage your time during the assessment:

• Read Instructions Carefully: Take a few moments at the beginning to read through all instructions thoroughly. Understanding the format and requirements can help you avoid mistakes and save time later on.
• Allocate Time for Each Section: Before starting, estimate how much time you should spend on each part of the assessment. This will help you avoid spending too long on any one section and allow for a balanced approach.
• Start with Familiar Questions: Begin with the questions you feel most confident about. This will help you build momentum and save time for more challenging ones later.
• Don’t Overthink Answers: If you’re unsure about a question, make an educated guess and move on. Spending too much time on difficult questions can reduce the time available for the rest of the test.
• Monitor the Clock: Keep an eye on the time throughout the assessment. Set mental checkpoints to ensure you’re staying on track and adjusting your pace if needed.

By using these time management strategies, you can approach the assessment with a clear plan and confidence, allowing you to perform at your best without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in the Exam

During a high-stakes assessment, even small errors can negatively impact your performance. Awareness of common mistakes can help you avoid them and stay focused on achieving your best results. Simple oversights, such as misinterpreting a question or spending too much time on one section, can make a significant difference in your overall score. Recognizing these pitfalls in advance enables you to approach the test strategically and with confidence.

Here are some common mistakes to be mindful of:

• Rushing Through Questions: In an effort to finish quickly, many candidates rush through questions without fully understanding them. Take the time to read each question carefully to avoid mistakes caused by misinterpretation.
• Ignoring Time Limits: Failing to monitor the clock can lead to running out of time before completing all sections. Make sure to allocate enough time for each part of the test and stick to your schedule.
• Overthinking Answers: Second-guessing your initial choice can waste valuable time and cause unnecessary stress. Trust your instincts and move on if you’re unsure, especially on questions that seem overly complex.
• Neglecting Review: Skipping the review of your answers at the end can result in missed errors. If time allows, take the last few minutes to check your responses, especially for questions you found difficult.
• Skipping Difficult Questions: Avoid skipping questions that you find difficult without attempting to answer them first. Even if you don’t know the correct answer, try to eliminate obviously wrong choices and make an educated guess.

By recognizing and avoiding these mistakes, you can approach the assessment more strategically, ensuring a smoother and more efficient test-taking experience. Confidence, focus, and proper time management are the keys to success.

What to Expect During the Proctored Exam

When participating in a formal assessment, understanding what to expect can help alleviate anxiety and allow you to focus on the tasks at hand. These evaluations are designed to test your knowledge and abilities under controlled conditions, ensuring fairness and consistency for all participants. Being prepared for the environment and structure of the assessment can improve your confidence and performance.

Setting Up for Success

Before starting, it’s essential to ensure that all required materials and equipment are in place. This includes having a stable internet connection, a quiet space free from distractions, and any necessary identification or login information. The assessment will likely begin with a set of instructions on how to navigate the platform or interface, so it’s important to listen carefully and follow the guidance provided.

During the Assessment

As you begin the test, you’ll encounter a variety of question formats designed to assess your abilities in different areas. These might include multiple-choice questions, case studies, and scenario-based problems. The following tips can help you navigate the evaluation efficiently:

• Stay Calm: The key to success is staying focused and calm. If you feel stressed, take a deep breath and refocus on the task ahead.
• Time Management: Keep track of time and allocate appropriate amounts for each section. Don’t spend too long on one question; move on if necessary.
• Follow Instructions: Pay close attention to the instructions provided at each stage. This will help you avoid mistakes and ensure you’re answering questions as expected.

By preparing for the assessment environment and knowing what to expect, you can approach the test with confidence and stay focused on answering questions accurately and efficiently.

Using Practice Questions Effectively

Utilizing practice questions is a crucial strategy for preparation, as they simulate the types of scenarios and questions you will face during the actual evaluation. By engaging with these questions, you not only test your knowledge but also improve your ability to apply what you’ve learned under time constraints. The key to using practice questions effectively is to approach them strategically, focusing on understanding concepts rather than just memorizing answers.

Here are some tips to maximize the effectiveness of practice questions:

• Review the Rationale Behind Each Question: After answering a practice question, take the time to understand why the correct answer is right and why the others are incorrect. This helps reinforce your knowledge and corrects misunderstandings.
• Simulate Real Conditions: Practice under conditions similar to the actual assessment. Set a timer and try to complete the questions within the allotted time to build time-management skills and reduce anxiety.
• Identify Weak Areas: Use practice questions to pinpoint areas where you’re struggling. Focus your study efforts on these weak points to improve your overall performance.
• Review Regularly: Don’t rely on just one round of practice questions. Regularly revisit old questions to reinforce your knowledge and track your progress.
• Mix Question Types: Practice different types of questions, such as multiple-choice, short-answer, and scenario-based, to ensure you’re prepared for a variety of formats.

By approaching practice questions thoughtfully and consistently, you’ll be better equipped to handle the challenges of the real assessment, increasing your confidence and improving your overall performance.

Building Confidence Before the Test

Building confidence before a significant assessment is essential for performing well. When you feel self-assured, you’re more likely to stay calm, think clearly, and approach questions logically. Confidence comes from preparation, a positive mindset, and effective stress management. By developing a strong sense of readiness, you can face the evaluation with a clear focus and reduced anxiety.

Effective Preparation Strategies

The first step in building confidence is through thorough preparation. A well-organized study plan helps ensure that you cover all essential areas without feeling overwhelmed. It’s important to break down your study material into manageable chunks and approach each topic systematically. Here are some ways to enhance your preparation:

• Start Early: Begin reviewing well in advance to avoid last-minute cramming. Early preparation allows you to absorb information more effectively.
• Practice Regularly: Consistent practice with questions or exercises related to the material helps reinforce your knowledge and builds familiarity with the test format.
• Track Your Progress: Keep a record of your improvements to visually see how much you’ve mastered. This can provide a sense of accomplishment and boost confidence.

Positive Mindset and Relaxation Techniques

A positive mindset is key to success. Avoid negative self-talk or doubts, which can diminish your confidence. Instead, remind yourself of your hard work and progress. Incorporating relaxation techniques can also help manage any pre-test nerves. Consider these methods:

• Visualization: Visualize yourself succeeding in the assessment. Picture yourself answering questions confidently and completing the test with ease.
• Breathing Exercises: Deep breathing exercises can reduce stress and calm your mind. Practice slow, controlled breathing to stay relaxed and focused.
• Positive Affirmations: Use affirmations like “I am prepared” or “I can do this” to boost your self-belief.

By combining effective preparation with a positive mindset and relaxation techniques, you can build the confidence necessary to tackle the assessment with assurance and clarity.

Exam Anxiety and How to Overcome It

Anxiety before a major evaluation is a common challenge that can impact performance. The pressure to succeed and the fear of failure often create stress, leading to mental blocks, physical discomfort, and a lack of focus. However, overcoming this anxiety is possible through targeted strategies that address both the emotional and physical responses to stress. By implementing the right techniques, you can regain control and approach the assessment with confidence and clarity.

Understanding the Causes of Anxiety

Exam-related anxiety often stems from a variety of factors, including fear of failure, lack of preparation, and self-doubt. It’s essential to recognize the specific sources of your anxiety so you can address them effectively. Common triggers include:

• Fear of the Unknown: Uncertainty about the format, content, or difficulty level of the assessment can contribute to anxiety.
• Past Experiences: Previous struggles with assessments may lead to negative expectations and increased stress.
• Perfectionism: The pressure to perform flawlessly can create unrealistic expectations, fueling anxiety.

Strategies to Manage Anxiety

There are several practical strategies that can help reduce anxiety and restore a sense of calm before and during the evaluation:

• Preparation is Key: The more prepared you feel, the less anxious you’ll be. Thoroughly study the material, practice with mock questions, and review key concepts to boost your confidence.
• Practice Relaxation Techniques: Deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or guided meditation can help calm your nerves and refocus your mind.
• Positive Visualization: Imagine yourself successfully navigating the assessment. Visualizing success can create a positive mindset and reduce fear.
• Maintain a Healthy Routine: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep can reduce overall stress levels and improve cognitive function.

On the Day of the Test

Managing anxiety on the day of the evaluation is essential to performing at your best. Try these techniques to stay calm:

• Arrive Early: Arriving early allows you to get settled and avoid last-minute stress.
• Focus on the Present: Instead of worrying about potential outcomes, focus on the task at hand. Take one question at a time.
• Stay Positive: Remind yourself that you are prepared and capable of handling the challenges ahead.

By recognizing the causes of anxiety and adopting effective coping strategies, you can transform nervous energy into focus and perform to the best of your abilities.

ATI Scoring and Results Explained

Understanding how scores are calculated and what your results mean is crucial to interpreting your performance. Scores typically reflect your knowledge and readiness in a given subject area. The results are usually divided into categories, offering a detailed look at where you excel and where improvement is needed. It’s important to understand these results so you can make the most of your strengths and focus on areas for growth.

How Scores Are Calculated

The scoring system is designed to provide a clear picture of your understanding of key concepts. Here’s a breakdown of how scores are typically calculated:

• Correct Answers: Each correct answer adds to your overall score, contributing to the final result.
• Scoring Range: The total score is often represented as a percentage, which reflects the number of correct answers relative to the total number of questions.
• Weighted Questions: Some assessments may assign different point values to different questions, based on their difficulty or importance.

Understanding the Results

Once you receive your results, it’s important to interpret them accurately. Results are typically presented in categories, which might include:

• Performance Levels: Results often indicate performance in various levels, such as “Proficient,” “Needs Improvement,” or “Exceeds Expectations.”
• Strengths and Weaknesses: These categories highlight where you performed well and where further review may be necessary.
• Overall Score: This is the final, overall assessment of your performance, often presented as a percentage or scale score.

Score Interpretation Table

The following table shows an example of how scores might be interpreted based on typical results:

Score Range	Interpretation
90% and above	Excellent – Demonstrates mastery of the material.
75% – 89%	Proficient – Adequate understanding with room for improvement.
50% – 74%	Needs Improvement – Indicates a need for further study in key areas.
Below 50%	Below Expectations – Significant gaps in understanding, requiring focused review.

Interpreting these results accurately can help you plan your next steps. If your score is lower than expected, consider reviewing the areas where you struggled. If you performed well, continue building on your strengths for even greater success in the future.

How to Analyze Your Performance

Once you receive your results, it’s essential to assess your performance thoroughly to understand your strengths and areas for improvement. Analyzing your performance allows you to identify patterns in your responses and better prepare for future challenges. By reflecting on your results and reviewing the questions you answered incorrectly, you can create a targeted plan for your next steps in preparation.

Reviewing Incorrect Answers

Focus on the questions you answered incorrectly to identify patterns. Did you struggle with certain topics? Were there any specific question types that caused difficulty? Understanding the reasons behind incorrect answers can help you prioritize what to study next.

• Identify Knowledge Gaps: Look for subjects or concepts that you did not fully grasp. These areas may require additional review or a different approach to learning.
• Analyze Question Types: Determine if certain formats, such as multiple-choice or true/false, were more challenging for you. This could indicate a need for more practice with these types of questions.
• Assess Time Management: If you ran out of time on certain sections, time management may be a factor to improve for the next attempt.

Using Results to Guide Future Study

Once you’ve identified the areas that need improvement, create a strategy to focus on these topics. A thoughtful, structured approach will help you enhance your skills and increase your confidence for future assessments.

• Set Clear Goals: Define what you aim to achieve in your next round of study. Whether it’s mastering a specific topic or improving your test-taking speed, setting clear goals will help keep you focused.
• Use Resources Wisely: Utilize study materials that address your weakest areas, such as online resources, textbooks, or practice questions. Don’t hesitate to seek support from peers or instructors if needed.
• Monitor Progress: Track your progress as you study and take practice tests. Regular self-assessment will help ensure you’re on the right path to improvement.

By analyzing your performance in detail, you can develop a clear roadmap for success, ensuring that you’re better prepared for future challenges.

Effective Study Resources for ATI Exam

Preparing for a high-stakes assessment requires access to the right study materials to ensure success. Whether you are looking for practice questions, textbooks, or interactive tools, selecting the best resources can help you target weak areas and strengthen your overall knowledge. The key is finding comprehensive, well-organized study aids that match your learning style and offer practical, focused review opportunities.

There are numerous types of study resources that can support your preparation process. From online platforms that offer practice tests to textbooks that dive deep into specific topics, it’s essential to use a combination of materials to enhance your understanding. Each resource type serves a unique purpose in your study plan, offering a well-rounded approach to tackling the subject matter.

• Practice Questions: Engaging with practice questions that simulate the real testing format can help you familiarize yourself with question styles and improve your time management skills. These resources often provide immediate feedback to guide your learning process.
• Textbooks and Study Guides: Comprehensive textbooks and study guides offer detailed explanations of key concepts. They are especially useful for building a strong foundational understanding before moving on to more complex topics.
• Online Platforms: Interactive websites and apps offer quizzes, video tutorials, and detailed subject breakdowns, allowing for flexible, self-paced learning. These platforms often feature user communities for sharing insights and tips.

Combining these resources in a strategic way allows you to cover all aspects of your preparation. Use textbooks to solidify foundational knowledge, practice tests to enhance exam technique, and online tools for flexible, on-the-go study. By making the most of these materials, you can optimize your preparation and boost your confidence going into the assessment.

Understanding Leadership Theories for the Exam

Mastering the various frameworks and principles surrounding effective guidance and organizational influence is essential for performing well on the assessment. Recognizing the key approaches to managing people and fostering teamwork can give you a competitive edge. Different schools of thought highlight how individuals can inspire, motivate, and direct others toward achieving common goals, each with its own set of strategies and techniques.

Understanding these models is important, as they provide insight into how to assess different styles of influence and how these can be applied in real-world scenarios. During the assessment, you may encounter questions that require you to recognize and apply these frameworks in hypothetical situations. Each theory brings unique perspectives on human behavior, decision-making, and conflict resolution.

Popular Theories to Focus On

• Transformational Theory: Focuses on leaders who inspire and motivate their team through vision, passion, and example.
• Transactional Theory: Centers around a structured approach, where leaders provide rewards and punishments based on team performance.
• Situational Leadership: Emphasizes the importance of adjusting leadership style based on the team’s needs and specific challenges.
• Servant Leadership: Prioritizes the needs of the team, focusing on serving others and empowering followers to grow.

How These Theories Apply to Real-World Scenarios

During the assessment, scenarios might ask you to choose the most effective approach for a given situation. Whether it’s a crisis, conflict resolution, or team-building exercise, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each theory will help you navigate these hypothetical challenges. Additionally, these models often provide frameworks for evaluating team dynamics, which will be key in making informed decisions during the test.

By gaining a solid understanding of these leadership theories, you will be able to analyze different situations with greater insight and apply the best strategies for success. A comprehensive knowledge of these frameworks will also boost your confidence, ensuring you are well-prepared for a variety of questions related to human resource management, team development, and organizational behavior.

How to Tackle Management Scenarios

Handling hypothetical workplace situations is a crucial aspect of performing well on any assessment that tests decision-making and problem-solving abilities. In these scenarios, you are expected to analyze the situation, identify key challenges, and propose appropriate solutions based on theoretical principles and practical reasoning. By breaking down each case systematically, you can approach these situations with clarity and confidence.

The first step in dealing with such challenges is understanding the context and identifying the main issue. Often, these scenarios present common problems faced by organizations, such as resource allocation, team dynamics, or decision-making under pressure. After recognizing the core issue, it’s important to apply the correct strategies and frameworks that are most effective for addressing it.

Steps to Approach Scenarios

• Identify the Problem: Carefully read the scenario and pinpoint the key challenge or issue. Pay attention to the details, as the specifics will often guide you toward the most appropriate solution.
• Consider Possible Solutions: Once you have identified the problem, think about possible solutions that align with best practices. Consider the impact on both individuals and the overall organization.
• Apply Relevant Theories: Refer to the theories and principles you have studied to determine which framework applies best to the situation. Whether it’s conflict resolution, decision-making, or team motivation, these theories can offer valuable insights.
• Evaluate the Outcomes: Think through the potential outcomes of each solution. Which one will lead to the most positive results for all stakeholders involved? Weigh the pros and cons before making your decision.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Overcomplicating the Solution: Keep your solutions simple and practical. Sometimes, the most effective approach is the one that involves the fewest steps or interventions.
• Ignoring Stakeholder Impact: Always consider how decisions affect the people involved, whether they are employees, clients, or external partners.
• Being Overly Risk-Averse: While it’s important to be cautious, avoiding all risks may prevent you from choosing bold yet beneficial solutions. Evaluate risks but be willing to make well-informed decisions when necessary.

By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can improve your ability to navigate management scenarios successfully. Practice analyzing case studies and hypothetical situations to build confidence and enhance your problem-solving skills. The more you practice, the more instinctively you will be able to handle complex situations in real life.

Final Review Tips Before the Exam

As the assessment day approaches, the final review is crucial for consolidating knowledge and ensuring you are fully prepared. This phase is not just about revisiting content, but also about reinforcing your understanding, refining your decision-making skills, and boosting your confidence. A strategic approach during this time can make all the difference between feeling uncertain and performing with clarity and assurance.

Start by prioritizing key concepts that are more likely to appear. Focus on areas where you feel least confident and ensure you understand the underlying principles and practical applications. Skimming through notes or textbooks may seem tempting, but a more effective strategy is to actively test your knowledge by answering practice questions or reviewing real-world scenarios that apply the material.

Organize your review sessions into manageable time blocks, avoiding the temptation to cram all at once. The brain retains information more effectively when it’s given adequate rest in between study sessions. This method, known as spaced repetition, ensures long-term retention of information.

Effective Techniques for Final Review

• Practice Under Timed Conditions: Simulate the test environment by answering questions under time pressure. This helps you manage time during the actual assessment and reduces anxiety.
• Review Mistakes: Take note of any incorrect answers from previous practice sessions. Understand why they were wrong and clarify your reasoning to avoid similar errors.
• Teach What You’ve Learned: Explaining key concepts to someone else can reinforce your understanding. If you don’t have a study partner, try teaching the material aloud to yourself.
• Stay Relaxed: Ensure you get adequate rest before the assessment day. A well-rested mind is more alert and capable of recalling information effectively.

Stay Positive in your final review sessions. Focus on progress rather than perfection. Confidence is built through preparation, and when you take the time to review strategically, you are setting yourself up for success.