I went for my typical morning sensory exercise for beverages produced in the last 24 hrs this morning, and one of the cups was spiked with an off-flavor.

Note that I was not pre-informed that any cup was spiked.

Immediately I tasted the spiked batch, I picked the off-flavor and immediately assigned investigation to the available Line Managers and Operatives. Then, I put a call through to the Supervisor of the team that sets up the sensory session.

The Supervisor of that section excitedly told me that it was a test to see:

1. How many people still come to do a sensory analysis? Who shows up?
2. How many people will detect the deviation? Who pays attention to details?
3. How will those that detect the deviation react? Who will cover-up and who will escalate?

I passed all 3 and he was so happy that I lived up to his expectation. By the way, I am senior to him in the organization, yet I still have to live up to his expectations. There is something to learn about leadership and responsibility there.

What if what you are currently going through is a test?

What do you think the examiner expects?

What results do you think your actions will show?

You never know. Live consciously.

– Osasu Oviawe