PMP People — Leading Projects Practice Question
You are managing a large project with multiple stakeholders. One executive stakeholder has been bypassing you and giving direct instructions to the team, causing confusion. What should you do FIRST?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates choose Option B (update the plan) because they think it's a proactive process improvement, but the PM must first address the root cause (the bypass) before changing the plan, as updating the plan without resolving the conflict would institutionalize the problem.
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
✓
Meet with the stakeholder privately to clarify the communication plan and request they go through you
The PM must first address the stakeholder directly to reinforce the established communication plan and authority structure. Bypassing the PM violates the project's governance and can lead to scope creep, conflicting priorities, and team confusion. A private meeting allows the PM to professionally assert their role as the single point of contact for the team, as defined in the communications management plan.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Tell the team to follow the stakeholder's instructions
Why it's wrong here
This action directly undermines the project manager's authority and established project governance, creating a chaotic environment where team members receive conflicting directives. It bypasses the agreed-upon communication channels and decision-making processes, leading to potential scope creep, rework, and a breakdown in team morale and accountability. Such a response abdicates the PM's responsibility to manage stakeholder engagement and maintain project control.
- ✗
Update the communication plan to include the stakeholder's direct involvement
Why it's wrong here
Unilaterally updating the communication plan to accommodate a stakeholder's direct involvement without prior discussion and agreement is an inappropriate response. While communication plans are iterative, changes must be deliberated, approved, and communicated to all relevant parties to ensure alignment and prevent further confusion. Modifying a foundational project document without proper process risks alienating other stakeholders and failing to address the root cause of the unauthorized communication.
- ✓
Meet with the stakeholder privately to clarify the communication plan and request they go through you
Why this is correct
This is the most appropriate first step as it demonstrates proactive stakeholder management and conflict resolution. A private meeting allows the project manager to respectfully remind the stakeholder of the agreed-upon communication protocols and the importance of channeling requests through the PM to maintain project control and prevent scope creep. It aims to re-establish the proper communication flow while preserving the professional relationship, addressing the issue directly and professionally before escalation.
- ✗
Report the stakeholder to the project sponsor
Why it's wrong here
Immediately escalating the issue to the project sponsor without first attempting to resolve it directly with the stakeholder is premature and can severely damage professional relationships. Such an action bypasses an opportunity for direct communication and mutual understanding, potentially creating unnecessary tension and a perception of the project manager being unable to handle minor conflicts. Escalation is a last resort, reserved for situations where direct resolution attempts have failed or the issue poses a significant threat to project objectives.
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