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Step 1 of 3

Find the weak link

The weak link is the beat that doesn't grow out of what came before it and doesn't lead to what comes after. The story still holds together without it.

Once upon a time

Derek was known for making quick decisions and speaking confidently in meetings.

Every day

He believed his speed helped teams avoid wasting time.

But one day

A colleague told him, “Sometimes you decide what you think before everyone else has finished talking.”

  1. 1Derek dismissed the comment because he believed the colleague misunderstood his style.
  2. 2Because of that, he continued leading meetings the same way.
  3. 3Because of that, the company changed its expense policy.
  4. 4Several weeks later, Derek noticed two team members stop offering ideas after he interrupted them.

Which beat does NOT belong in this causal story?