PMP People — Leading Projects Practice Question
A team member has been consistently missing deadlines, causing delays in dependent tasks. During a one-on-one meeting, you discover they are struggling with a new technology. What is the best course of action?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse a performance issue with a disciplinary problem and choose a punitive or avoidance response (like escalating or warning), instead of recognizing that the PM's first duty is to support the team member through the 'Develop Team' process when the root cause is a skill gap.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Arrange for training or mentoring to help them acquire the necessary skills
The root cause of the missed deadlines is a skill gap with the new technology, not a lack of effort or willful non-compliance. As a servant leader, the project manager should first support the team member by providing training or mentoring to close the competency gap, which directly addresses the cause and enables the team member to meet future deadlines. This approach aligns with the PMI People domain, which emphasizes developing the team and removing obstacles.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Escalate the performance issue to the functional manager
Why it's wrong here
As a project manager, the initial responsibility is to directly address team performance issues through coaching, support, or identifying root causes. Escalating immediately to the functional manager bypasses the PM's direct leadership role and the opportunity to resolve the problem within the project team. This action is premature and does not demonstrate proactive problem-solving or team development, which are core competencies for a PMP.
- ✗
Reassign the tasks to another team member who is more experienced
Why it's wrong here
Reassigning tasks to another team member, while potentially solving the immediate deadline issue, fails to address the underlying skill gap or performance challenge of the original team member. This approach neglects the project manager's responsibility for team development and growth, potentially demotivating the struggling individual and creating a single point of failure for future similar tasks. It is a short-term fix that avoids long-term team capability building.
- ✗
Issue a formal warning about the missed deadlines
Why it's wrong here
Issuing a formal warning without first understanding the root cause of the missed deadlines or offering support is a punitive and demotivating approach. PMI principles emphasize a supportive leadership style where the project manager first seeks to identify if the issue stems from a lack of skills, resources, or other impediments, and then provides appropriate assistance. This action is premature and counterproductive to fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
- ✓
Arrange for training or mentoring to help them acquire the necessary skills
Why this is correct
This is the most appropriate action as it directly addresses a potential root cause of consistently missed deadlines: a lack of necessary skills or experience. A project manager is responsible for fostering team development and providing the resources needed for team members to succeed. Arranging training or mentoring demonstrates proactive problem-solving, invests in the team member's growth, and enhances overall project capability, aligning with effective team management practices.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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