Project Management Professional (PMP)® Examination Content OutlinePeopleMedium
A project manager is leading a fully remote team distributed across several continents. Communication often feels disjointed, and team members express a lack of connection with each other. To improve team cohesion and performance, what should the project manager prioritize?
- AImplement a stringent time-tracking system to ensure productivity across different time zones.
- BEncourage individual team members to travel periodically to a central office location.
- CSchedule weekly mandatory social video calls to foster informal interactions.
- DUtilize collaborative online tools and establish clear communication protocols for virtual engagement.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Utilize collaborative online tools and establish clear communication protocols for virtual engagement.
Effectively engaging and supporting virtual teams requires leveraging technology and establishing clear communication protocols. Collaborative online tools facilitate shared work and understanding, while defined protocols ensure efficient and effective communication despite geographical distance.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Stringent time-tracking can lead to micromanagement and distrust, negatively impacting morale and not directly addressing communication or connection issues.
- B. Periodic travel is costly, not always feasible, and does not provide a continuous solution for daily virtual engagement issues.
- C. Mandatory social calls can sometimes feel forced and may not be effective for all team members, especially across diverse cultures and time zones.
Engage and Support Virtual Teams
Applying specific strategies and tools to foster communication, collaboration, and a sense of belonging among team members who are geographically dispersed.
- Relies heavily on technology for communication and collaboration.
- Requires clear expectations and communication protocols.
- Focuses on building trust and overcoming physical distance barriers.
Memory trick: Tools and protocols make virtual teams truly whole.