Project Management Professional (PMP)® Examination Content OutlinePeopleMedium
A project manager notices that a highly skilled team member consistently delivers excellent technical work but struggles to articulate their ideas clearly in team meetings, leading to misunderstandings and missed opportunities for their valuable input. This impacts the team's collective problem-solving. What is the MOST appropriate action for the project manager to take?
- ACoach the team member on effective communication techniques and create opportunities for them to contribute in less intimidating ways.
- BEncourage the team member to practice their presentation skills in front of the team during dedicated sessions.
- CAssign the team member tasks that require less verbal communication in team settings.
- DSuggest the team member attend external public speaking workshops to improve their communication.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Coach the team member on effective communication techniques and create opportunities for them to contribute in less intimidating ways.
The project manager's role includes supporting team members' development. Coaching on communication skills and creating varied opportunities for contribution (e.g., written, smaller groups) directly addresses the team member's struggle and leverages their expertise effectively.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Practicing in front of the team might be too intimidating initially and could exacerbate the problem rather than solve it.
- C. This avoids addressing the skill gap and limits the team member's potential contribution to the team's problem-solving.
- D. Suggesting external workshops is less direct and supportive than internal coaching and may not address the specific context of team meetings.
Support Team Member Development
Providing coaching, training, and opportunities for growth to enhance individual and collective team capabilities and address skill gaps.
- Boosts individual confidence and performance.
- Strengthens overall team capabilities.
- Requires identifying specific development needs.
Memory trick: A gardener waters the plant and provides a trellis for support.