PMP People — Leading Projects Practice Question
You are managing a project using a predictive approach. A team member has been consistently missing deadlines, causing delays for the rest of the team. You have already had an informal conversation about expectations. What should you do next?
⚠ Common exam trap
PMI often tests the misconception that a single informal conversation is sufficient or that escalation is the immediate next step, but PMI expects a graduated response where the project manager first attempts direct resolution through a formal meeting and PIP before involving higher management or removing the team member.
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 to discuss the issue and create a performance improvement plan
After an informal conversation has already taken place, the next step in progressive discipline within a predictive (waterfall) project is to schedule a private meeting to formally address the issue and collaboratively create a performance improvement plan (PIP). This aligns with the PMI People domain's emphasis on conflict resolution and team development, ensuring the team member is given a clear opportunity to improve before any escalation or removal.
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 team member's functional manager
Why it's wrong here
While an informal conversation has already occurred, escalating to the functional manager bypasses the project manager's direct responsibility to first apply progressive discipline within the project team, such as issuing a formal written warning or documenting the performance issue in the project records. This option is tempting because functional managers hold authority over team members' assignments and performance reviews, and escalation would be correct if the team member's behaviour violated organisational policy or required a staffing change outside the project manager's authority.
- ✗
Reassign the team member's tasks to other team members
Why it's wrong here
Reassigning tasks avoids addressing the root cause of the team member's underperformance, which is a critical project management responsibility. This approach merely shifts the burden to other team members, potentially leading to their burnout or decreased morale, while failing to develop the struggling individual. It's a short-term fix that creates new risks and does not align with fostering a high-performing project team.
- ✓
Schedule a private meeting to discuss the issue and create a performance improvement plan
Why this is correct
Scheduling a private meeting is the most appropriate initial step, demonstrating the project manager's commitment to direct communication and team member development. This allows for a confidential discussion to understand the underlying issues and collaboratively establish a performance improvement plan with clear expectations and support. This proactive approach aligns with PMP principles of managing team performance and progressive discipline, aiming to resolve the issue internally.
- ✗
Remove the team member from the project
Why it's wrong here
Removing a team member from the project is an extreme measure that should only be considered as a last resort, typically after all progressive disciplinary actions have been exhausted or in cases of severe misconduct. Such an action incurs significant project costs related to replacement, onboarding, and knowledge transfer, while also potentially damaging team morale. It bypasses the project manager's primary responsibility to first attempt to coach and develop team members to overcome performance challenges.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to the PMP Exam and Project Management Basics
Key term
Conflict Resolution
Conflict resolution is the process of addressing and resolving disagreements between team members or stakeholders to maintain a productive and collaborative project environment.
Key term
Team Building
Team building is the process of creating a cohesive group of people who work together effectively toward a shared goal.
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