The correct next step is to conduct a formal performance review, document the issues, and create a performance improvement plan with clear expectations and timelines. This is because the Project Management Professional (PMP) framework emphasizes a progressive performance management approach, where informal coaching must be followed by structured, documented action before any termination or reassignment. On the PMP exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the Team Performance domain and the ethical responsibility to address underperformance while preserving team morale and valuable skills. A common trap is choosing to immediately replace the team member, which ignores the opportunity for corrective action and may violate the PMI Code of Ethics. Remember the memory tip “Inform, Formal, Plan” — always escalate from informal feedback to a formal, documented plan before considering removal.
PMP People — Leading Projects Practice Question
This PMP practice question tests your understanding of people — leading projects. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
On a large-scale project, you have a team member who is technically skilled but consistently fails to complete tasks on time, affecting the team's morale. You have had informal conversations about this, but there has been no improvement. What should you do next?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Conduct a formal performance review, document the issues, and create a performance improvement plan with clear expectations and timelines
Option D is correct because the PM should use a progressive approach: after informal feedback, engage in a formal performance discussion with a plan. Option A is wrong because immediately replacing the member may be too harsh and could lose valuable skills. Option B is wrong because removing all critical tasks may not help the member improve. Option C is wrong because ignoring the issue could further damage team morale.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Conduct a formal performance review, document the issues, and create a performance improvement plan with clear expectations and timelines
Why this is correct
A structured approach helps the team member understand expectations and provides support for improvement.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Replace the team member with a more reliable resource
Why it's wrong here
Replacement should be a last resort after coaching and performance management.
✗
Ignore the issue as the team member is technically strong
Why it's wrong here
Ignoring performance issues can lead to team resentment and morale problems.
✗
Reassign all critical tasks to other team members
Why it's wrong here
This avoids addressing the root cause and may overload other team members.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the PMP exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this PMP question in full detail.
Identify which PMP exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
People — Leading Projects — This question tests People — Leading Projects — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Conduct a formal performance review, document the issues, and create a performance improvement plan with clear expectations and timelines — Option D is correct because the PM should use a progressive approach: after informal feedback, engage in a formal performance discussion with a plan. Option A is wrong because immediately replacing the member may be too harsh and could lose valuable skills. Option B is wrong because removing all critical tasks may not help the member improve. Option C is wrong because ignoring the issue could further damage team morale.
What should I do if I get this PMP question wrong?
Identify which PMP exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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