PMP Process — Managing Technical Aspects Practice Question
Two senior developers have a conflict over which technical approach to use for a module. The disagreement is delaying the sprint. What should the project manager do FIRST?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently choose Option D (deciding yourself) because they confuse the project manager's authority with technical leadership, forgetting that the PM's role is to facilitate, not dictate, technical solutions.
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
✓
Facilitate a meeting with the developers to discuss the pros and cons of each approach and help them reach a consensus
The project manager's first responsibility in a technical conflict is to facilitate collaboration and consensus-building between the developers. This aligns with the PMP's emphasis on servant leadership and conflict resolution techniques like 'collaborating' or 'problem-solving' within the team, especially when the disagreement directly impacts sprint delivery. By guiding a structured discussion of pros and cons, the PM preserves team autonomy and leverages the developers' expertise to find the best technical solution.
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 issue to the project sponsor for a decision
Why it's wrong here
Escalating a technical conflict directly to the project sponsor is premature and bypasses the project manager's responsibility to facilitate team resolution. Project managers should first attempt to resolve conflicts at the lowest possible level, empowering the team to find solutions and fostering a collaborative environment. This approach aligns with servant leadership principles, where the PM supports the team rather than immediately offloading problems.
- ✓
Facilitate a meeting with the developers to discuss the pros and cons of each approach and help them reach a consensus
Why this is correct
This is the most appropriate action as it demonstrates effective conflict resolution and servant leadership. By facilitating a meeting, the project manager empowers the developers to collaboratively analyze their proposed technical approaches, weigh the pros and cons, and work towards a mutually agreeable consensus. This method not only resolves the immediate conflict but also strengthens team autonomy and problem-solving capabilities, fostering a more engaged and responsible team.
- ✗
Assign the module to a different developer to avoid the conflict
Why it's wrong here
Assigning the module to a different developer is a conflict avoidance strategy that fails to address the underlying disagreement between the original developers. While it might temporarily remove the immediate tension, it does not resolve the root cause of the conflict, which could resurface in future tasks or lead to resentment. Effective project management requires confronting and resolving conflicts constructively, rather than simply sidestepping them.
- ✗
Decide on the approach yourself based on your experience
Why it's wrong here
Imposing a decision, even if based on the project manager's experience, is an autocratic approach that can significantly reduce team ownership and commitment to the chosen solution. It disempowers the technical experts who are closest to the work and may lead to resentment or a perception that their expertise is not valued. A project manager should leverage the team's collective knowledge and facilitate their decision-making, rather than dictating technical solutions.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to the PMP Exam and Project Management Basics
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.
Key term
Training and Development
Training and Development is the process of enhancing team members' skills, knowledge, and competencies to improve project performance and achieve career growth.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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