Project Management Professional (PMP)® Examination Content OutlinePeopleMedium
A project manager is leading a complex software development project. The team consists of highly skilled but independent developers who often work in silos, leading to duplicated efforts and communication gaps. The project manager wants to improve team cohesion and efficiency. Which strategy should the project manager implement to foster a stronger sense of teamwork and shared responsibility?
- AAssign individual performance targets and bonuses to motivate developers to excel independently.
- BOrganize regular cross-functional workshops and pair programming sessions to encourage knowledge sharing.
- CImplement a strict hierarchical reporting structure to ensure all communication flows through the project manager.
- DReduce the number of team meetings to allow developers more uninterrupted time for coding.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Organize regular cross-functional workshops and pair programming sessions to encourage knowledge sharing.
Organizing cross-functional workshops and pair programming directly addresses working in silos and communication gaps by promoting knowledge sharing, collaboration, and a shared understanding of project goals and challenges.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Individual targets can reinforce independent work and competition, exacerbating the 'silo' problem.
- C. A strict hierarchy can further isolate team members and hinder direct communication, worsening the problem.
- D. Reducing meetings might increase individual coding time but will likely worsen communication gaps and duplicated efforts.
Build Shared Understanding
Actions taken to ensure all team members and stakeholders have a common perception of project goals, requirements, challenges, and solutions.
- Enhances collaboration and reduces misunderstandings.
- Involves active communication and information exchange.
- Helps align expectations and efforts across the team.
Memory trick: To build one mind, share the work and the knowledge.