PMP People — Leading Projects Practice Question
An executive stakeholder has been giving direct instructions to your team members, bypassing you as the project manager. This has caused confusion and conflicting priorities. What is the BEST action to take?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers choose Option B (sending a memo) because it seems like a formal, documented way to enforce the communication plan, but they fail to recognize that it is a public, escalatory move that can damage the stakeholder relationship, whereas a private meeting is the more effective and respectful conflict resolution technique.
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
✓
Schedule a private meeting with the executive to discuss the importance of following the project's communication protocols
It directly addresses the root cause of the conflict—the executive stakeholder's bypassing behavior—through a private, respectful conversation. This aligns with the PMP's focus on stakeholder engagement and conflict resolution, as it seeks to reinforce the project's communication protocols without escalating the issue publicly. By discussing the importance of following the plan, you maintain the authority of the project manager while preserving the stakeholder relationship.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Ask the team to ignore any instructions not coming from you
Why it's wrong here
This approach is detrimental as it places the project team in an untenable position, forcing them to choose between conflicting directives from a project manager and an executive stakeholder. It undermines the executive's authority without addressing the underlying issue of communication protocol deviation. Furthermore, it fails to resolve the root cause of the executive's direct intervention, potentially escalating the conflict and damaging stakeholder relationships rather than fostering collaboration.
- ✗
Send a memo to all stakeholders restating the project's communication plan
Why it's wrong here
Issuing a general memo to all stakeholders regarding communication protocols is an impersonal and indirect method that is unlikely to effectively resolve a specific issue with an executive. This action could be perceived as passive-aggressive or accusatory, potentially alienating the executive and other stakeholders rather than fostering understanding. Effective conflict resolution and adherence to communication plans require direct, personalized engagement, especially when addressing deviations from established processes.
- ✓
Schedule a private meeting with the executive to discuss the importance of following the project's communication protocols
Why this is correct
This is the most appropriate and professional course of action, aligning with PMP principles for effective stakeholder management and conflict resolution. A private, direct conversation allows the project manager to respectfully address the executive's actions, clarify established communication protocols, and reiterate the importance of adhering to the agreed-upon chain of command. This approach fosters mutual understanding, preserves the relationship, and proactively prevents future disruptions by reinforcing project governance.
- ✗
Ignore the situation to avoid conflict with the executive
Why it's wrong here
Ignoring direct instructions from an executive stakeholder is a dereliction of the project manager's duty to maintain project control and manage stakeholder expectations. This avoidance strategy will not resolve the underlying issue and will likely lead to increased confusion within the team, potential scope creep, and schedule delays as conflicting directives are followed. Unaddressed issues can escalate, eroding project governance and ultimately jeopardizing project success.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to the PMP Exam and Project Management Basics
Key term
Stakeholder Engagement
Stakeholder engagement is the process of identifying people or groups who have an interest in a project and actively involving them through communication and collaboration to meet their needs and expectations.
Key term
Project Team Management
Project Team Management is the process of leading, coordinating, and supporting a group of people to complete project tasks and achieve project objectives.
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