Project Management Professional (PMP)® Examination Content OutlinePeopleMedium
A project manager observes that a junior team member is consistently struggling with a specific technical task, despite having received initial training. The team member shows potential but lacks confidence and specific troubleshooting skills. What is the MOST effective way for the project manager to support this team member's performance?
- AProvide additional training materials and expect the team member to learn independently.
- BPair the junior team member with a senior mentor who can provide one-on-one guidance and practical troubleshooting support.
- CReassign the task to a more experienced team member to ensure project deadlines are met.
- DEnroll the junior team member in an external, advanced technical certification program.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Pair the junior team member with a senior mentor who can provide one-on-one guidance and practical troubleshooting support.
Reassigning the task (A) avoids development. External certification (B) is too broad and costly for a specific skill gap. Independent learning (D) might not address confidence or specific troubleshooting. Pairing with a mentor (C) provides targeted, hands-on support and builds confidence, directly addressing the identified needs and supporting team performance effectively.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While useful, self-study alone may not be sufficient for building confidence and practical troubleshooting skills, especially if the initial training wasn't fully effective.
- C. Reassigning the task avoids developing the junior team member's skills and can lead to demotivation.
- D. An external certification program might be too generic, costly, and time-consuming for addressing a specific skill gap and lack of confidence.
Support Team Performance
Providing the necessary resources, guidance, and environment to enable team members to perform at their best and achieve project objectives.
- Involves coaching, mentoring, and skill development.
- Addresses individual and team-level performance gaps.
- Fosters a supportive and growth-oriented environment.
Memory trick: Mentors make skills bloom.