PMP People — Leading Projects Practice Question
You are leading a project team that is in the storming stage of team development. The team is experiencing conflicts over roles and responsibilities, and morale is low. What is the most appropriate action for you to take as the project manager?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is thinking that the project manager should step back and let the team resolve conflicts entirely on their own, but during storming, active facilitation is needed.
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 team-building activities and clarify roles and responsibilities.
In the storming stage, the team needs direction and support to overcome conflicts and establish working relationships. Facilitating team-building and clarifying roles helps the team move toward norming and performing. Other actions, such as ignoring the conflict or imposing solutions, may be counterproductive in the long run.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Use your authority to impose a resolution and move the team to performing.
Why it's wrong here
Imposing a resolution may suppress conflict temporarily but does not resolve the root causes. It can lead to resentment and hinder the team's ability to develop into a high-performing unit. The project manager should facilitate a collaborative resolution, not dictate one, to foster ownership and commitment.
- ✓
Facilitate team-building activities and clarify roles and responsibilities.
Why this is correct
During the storming stage, team members are jockeying for position and may have conflicting ideas about how to work together. The project manager should provide structure, facilitate open communication, and help define roles and responsibilities. Team-building activities can improve trust and collaboration, guiding the team toward the norming stage.
- ✗
Allow the team to resolve the conflicts on their own to build autonomy.
Why it's wrong here
While autonomy is beneficial in later stages, during storming the team needs guidance to navigate conflicts effectively. Leaving them to resolve it alone may lead to prolonged dysfunction or escalation. The project manager should actively facilitate to help the team establish norms and clarify roles, rather than abdicating responsibility.
- ✗
Reassign team members who are causing conflict to other projects.
Why it's wrong here
Reassigning team members is a drastic step that may not address the underlying issues and can disrupt project continuity. Conflict during storming is a normal part of team development; removing members may prevent the team from learning to work through differences. The project manager should instead help the team resolve conflicts constructively.
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Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official PMI exam blueprint
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