Project Management Professional (PMP)® Examination Content OutlinePeopleMedium
A project manager has observed that a highly skilled team member consistently delivers exceptional individual results but struggles to collaborate effectively with others, often working in isolation and resisting peer feedback. This behavior is starting to hinder overall team progress and knowledge sharing. To improve overall team performance, what should the project manager do?
- AImplement a team-based reward system that incentivizes collective achievement and collaboration.
- BAddress the behavior directly with the team member, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and providing coaching on collaborative skills.
- CRecognize the individual for their exceptional individual performance and assign them tasks that require minimal collaboration.
- DReassign the team member to a different project where individual contributions are more highly valued.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Address the behavior directly with the team member, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and providing coaching on collaborative skills.
Addressing the behavior directly with the team member and providing coaching on collaborative skills is crucial. This approach focuses on developing the team member's social skills, a key aspect of emotional intelligence, to improve their ability to work effectively within the team.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A team-based reward system can help, but it may not be sufficient to change deeply ingrained individualistic behaviors without direct intervention.
- C. While recognizing individual performance is good, isolating the team member avoids addressing the collaboration issue and can reinforce undesirable behavior.
- D. Reassigning the team member avoids addressing the developmental need and may transfer the problem to another project or team.
Promote Team Performance through Emotional Intelligence (Social Skills)
Developing and applying social skills (e.g., collaboration, conflict management, influencing) within the team to enhance interpersonal relationships and collective effectiveness.
- Focuses on improving how team members interact and work together.
- Involves communication, active listening, and building rapport.
- Essential for effective teamwork and shared problem-solving.
Memory trick: Coach the lone wolf to join the pack, for collective strength.