Project Management Professional (PMP)® Examination Content OutlinePeopleMedium
A project manager observes that a project team is consistently missing minor deadlines and deliverables, despite having sufficient resources and clear instructions. Individual team members appear competent but lack a sense of urgency and collective commitment. What is the MOST likely underlying cause of this issue?
- ALack of appropriate individual performance incentives for meeting deadlines.
- BThe project's complexity is underestimated, leading to unrealistic deadlines.
- COver-reliance on the project manager to drive all aspects of the project.
- DInsufficient team ownership and accountability for collective outcomes.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Insufficient team ownership and accountability for collective outcomes.
The problem describes a lack of collective commitment and urgency despite individual competence and resources. This points to insufficient team ownership and accountability for shared outcomes, meaning the team doesn't feel collectively responsible for meeting deadlines.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While incentives can help, the problem is about *collective* commitment and urgency, not just individual motivation for specific tasks.
- B. The stem indicates 'sufficient resources and clear instructions,' and 'minor deadlines' suggests complexity isn't the primary issue.
- C. While possible, PM over-reliance is a symptom, not the root cause of the team's lack of collective ownership which drives the missed deadlines.
Foster Team Accountability
Creating an environment where team members feel collectively responsible and committed to achieving shared project goals and deadlines, not just individual tasks.
- Enhances commitment and performance.
- Encourages mutual support and problem-solving.
- Requires clear expectations and shared ownership.
Memory trick: Each rowboat needs every rower to feel responsible for reaching shore on time.