Project Management Professional (PMP)® Examination Content OutlinePeopleMedium
A project manager is leading a new product development project. The team is composed of highly skilled engineers who are accustomed to working independently. The project requires significant cross-functional collaboration and frequent decision-making. The project manager wants to foster a culture of collective ownership and initiative. Which of the following is the BEST approach?
- AImplement a detailed task tracking system and monitor individual progress closely to ensure everyone contributes.
- BEstablish a strict hierarchy with clear reporting lines to streamline communication and accountability.
- CEmpower the team to self-organize and make decisions within defined boundaries, providing support and removing impediments.
- DDelegate all technical decisions to the most senior engineer to ensure quality and efficiency.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Empower the team to self-organize and make decisions within defined boundaries, providing support and removing impediments.
To foster collective ownership and initiative, the project manager should empower the team. This involves giving them autonomy to self-organize and make decisions while the PM supports them and removes obstacles, rather than micro-managing or centralizing decision-making.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Close monitoring focuses on individual output, not collective ownership or collaborative decision-making, and can be perceived as micromanagement.
- B. A strict hierarchy contradicts fostering self-organization and can stifle initiative in a highly skilled team.
- D. This centralizes decision-making, reducing collective ownership and initiative for the rest of the team.
Empower Team for Ownership
Granting team members the authority and responsibility to make decisions, self-organize, and take initiative within defined project boundaries.
- Increases team morale and motivation.
- Fosters innovation and problem-solving.
- Requires trust and clear boundaries from PM.
Memory trick: Give them the keys, not just the directions.