Project Management Professional (PMP)® Examination Content OutlinePeopleMedium
A project manager is leading a project where team members frequently express frustration during daily stand-ups about inconsistent processes and a lack of clarity on decision-making authority. This leads to rework and delays. What is the MOST beneficial action for the project manager to take to improve team efficiency and reduce frustration?
- AInstruct the team to follow the standard organizational processes, even if they are not perfectly suited for the project.
- BFacilitate a session with the team to collaboratively define and document clear processes and decision-making protocols.
- CTake over all critical decision-making to ensure consistency and speed.
- DImplement a detailed process manual for every project activity.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Facilitate a session with the team to collaboratively define and document clear processes and decision-making protocols.
The core problem is inconsistent processes and unclear decision-making. Collaboratively defining and documenting these protocols with the team empowers them, increases buy-in, and directly addresses the sources of frustration and inefficiency.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Blindly following unsuitable processes will perpetuate frustration and inefficiency, not resolve it, and misses an opportunity for improvement.
- C. This disempowers the team, doesn't build their capability, and centralizes bottlenecks, potentially increasing PM workload.
- D. A detailed manual without team input might be ignored or not fit the team's needs, leading to resistance and continued frustration.
Define Team Working Agreements
Collaboratively establishing clear, concise guidelines for how a team will operate, including processes, communication, and decision-making, to ensure consistency and efficiency.
- Reduces confusion and conflict.
- Increases team ownership and adherence.
- Improves efficiency and quality of work.
Memory trick: A well-oiled machine needs everyone to agree on how the gears turn.