Meaning: 'Grappling' means struggling or wrestling with something, often used to describe dealing with difficult problems or challenges.

Wrong options:

• mastering: Mastering implies complete control or understanding, which does not fit the context of struggling with complexities.
• subscribing: Subscribing suggests agreeing to or supporting something, which does not convey the active struggle implied in the sentence.
• disputing: Disputing means arguing against something, which does not align with the context of engaging with complexities.

Correct answer: accustomed

Explanation: The word 'accustomed' is appropriate here as it describes a state of being familiar with or used to something, which fits the context of executives who are familiar with the competitive nature of business.

Meaning: 'Accustomed' means being familiar with something through frequent exposure or experience.

Wrong options:

• applicable: Applicable means relevant or suitable, which does not convey the sense of familiarity required in this context.
• immune: Immune suggests being resistant to something, which does not fit the context of being familiar with business challenges.
• allergic: Allergic implies a negative reaction to something, which is not relevant to the context of familiarity with the business environment.

Correct answer: find

Explanation: The verb 'find' fits grammatically as it indicates a realization or discovery, which aligns with the context of executives recognizing their lack of preparation for emotional and interpersonal dynamics.

Meaning: 'Find' means to discover or realize something, often used when someone comes to a conclusion about a situation.

Wrong options:

• assure: Assure means to promise or guarantee, which does not fit the context of realizing a lack of preparedness.
• note: Note implies observing or mentioning something, which does not convey the sense of realization required in this context.
• seem: Seem suggests an appearance or impression, which does not accurately capture the active realization implied by the sentence.

Correct answer: used

Explanation: The word 'used' is the correct choice as it indicates a state of being accustomed to something, fitting grammatically as a past participle that describes leaders' experiences with quick fixes.

Meaning: 'Used' means being familiar with or accustomed to something, particularly through experience.

Wrong options:

• to use: 'To use' is an infinitive form that does not fit grammatically in this context, which requires a past participle.
• using: 'Using' is a present participle that does not convey the intended meaning of being accustomed to something.
• being used: 'Being used' implies a passive state that does not fit the active context of leaders' experiences.

Correct answer: productive

Explanation: The word 'productive' fits well as it describes a workforce that is effective and efficient, aligning with the goal of building an engaged team. It also matches the tone of the sentence, which emphasizes positive outcomes.

Meaning: 'Productive' means yielding good results or being effective in achieving goals.

Wrong options:

• extensive: Extensive means covering a large area or scope, which does not fit the context of workforce effectiveness.
• beneficial: Beneficial implies something that is helpful, but does not specifically convey the idea of efficiency or effectiveness required here.
• directive: Directive suggests giving instructions, which does not align with the context of workforce engagement and productivity.