Which scenario best illustrates discretionary effort?

Discretionary effort refers to the level of effort that an individual decides to put into their work beyond the minimum requirements. It reflects a personal willingness to go above and beyond basic expectations, driven by intrinsic motivation or a desire for excellence.

In the scenario where Susanna cleans the work area without being asked, she demonstrates discretionary effort because she takes the initiative to contribute to the workplace environment on her own. This act is not part of her required job duties but shows her commitment and proactive attitude towards teamwork and maintaining a clean workspace.

The other scenarios depict actions that may meet basic expectations or job descriptions, but they do not embody discretionary effort in the same way. Cindy, for example, follows her supervisor's instructions, which aligns with basic job responsibility. Marco training colleagues on correct procedures could indicate leadership or a colleague support role, but it may be part of his job duties. Lynn reading articles at home demonstrates her personal commitment to learning but does not directly exhibit discretionary effort within the work setting itself.