Project Management Professional (PMP)® Examination Content OutlinePeopleMedium
A project manager is overseeing a project where several critical tasks require specialized knowledge that only one senior team member possesses. This team member is frequently overloaded, causing bottlenecks and delays. What is the MOST effective long-term strategy for the project manager to address this single point of failure?
- AHire an additional expert with the same specialized knowledge to share the workload.
- BImplement stricter time management for the senior team member to optimize their efficiency.
- CRe-prioritize tasks to reduce the reliance on the specialized skill, if possible.
- DCross-train other team members in the specialized skill to distribute knowledge and reduce dependency.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Cross-train other team members in the specialized skill to distribute knowledge and reduce dependency.
Cross-training other team members is a proactive, long-term solution that directly addresses the single point of failure by distributing knowledge and building team capability, aligning with the goal of supporting team performance.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Hiring new staff can be a lengthy and costly process, and may not be feasible or necessary if internal capacity can be developed.
- B. While good time management is important, it doesn't solve the fundamental problem of excessive reliance on one individual for a critical skill.
- C. Re-prioritizing tasks might offer temporary relief but doesn't eliminate the dependency or build new capabilities within the team for that critical skill.
Support Team Performance
Actions taken by the project manager to ensure the team has the necessary resources, skills, and environment to perform effectively, including coaching, training, and removing impediments.
- Focuses on individual and collective growth.
- Involves proactive problem-solving and resource allocation.
- Aims to optimize team output and morale.
Memory trick: Don't let one expert be the project's single choke, cross-train the flock.