Project Management Professional (PMP)® Examination Content OutlinePeopleHard
A project manager is overseeing a project where the team is currently experiencing low morale and decreased productivity due to a recent significant scope change that added considerable work without extending the deadline. Team members feel overwhelmed and undervalued. What is the MOST immediate and impactful action the project manager should take?
- AAdvocate for the team by negotiating with stakeholders for an extended deadline or additional resources.
- BHold individual meetings with each team member to assess individual workload and reassign tasks.
- CSend a team-wide email announcing a new 'sprint to the finish' initiative to boost motivation.
- DImplement a mandatory team-building exercise to improve camaraderie and relieve stress.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Advocate for the team by negotiating with stakeholders for an extended deadline or additional resources.
The core problem is an unmanageable workload due to an uncompensated scope change, leading to feeling overwhelmed and undervalued. The project manager's primary responsibility is to protect the team and the project's viability by addressing the root cause with stakeholders.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. While understanding workload is good, reassigning tasks internally doesn't address the overall increased scope vs. fixed deadline, only shuffles the burden.
- C. This ignores the root cause (overload) and can be perceived as dismissive, further decreasing morale.
- D. Team-building is beneficial but will not resolve the fundamental issue of an unmanageable workload and can be seen as an insensitive distraction.
Advocate for Team Needs
Representing the team's interests and requirements to stakeholders, management, and other external parties to ensure they have the necessary resources, time, and support.
- Protects team from external pressures.
- Ensures project viability by aligning scope, time, and resources.
- Builds trust and boosts team morale.
Memory trick: The shepherd protects the flock from the wolves.