PMP Process — Managing Technical Aspects Practice Question
Your project is in the execution phase. An executive stakeholder has been directly assigning tasks to team members without going through you. Several team members are confused about priorities. What should you do FIRST?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers choose to escalate immediately (Option C) or try to work around the stakeholder (Option B), failing to recognize that the PMBOK Guide emphasizes resolving issues through direct communication with the stakeholder first, as the project manager is responsible for managing stakeholder expectations and the communication plan.
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
✓
Speak with the stakeholder privately to explain the impact of bypassing the PM and reinforce the communication plan
The correct first step is to speak privately with the stakeholder to explain the impact of bypassing the project manager and reinforce the established communication plan. This aligns with the PMBOK Guide's principle of managing stakeholder engagement through direct, respectful communication to resolve issues at the lowest appropriate level before escalating. By addressing the root cause—the stakeholder's lack of awareness or disregard for the communication protocol—you can restore clarity on priorities without prematurely escalating or undermining the stakeholder's relationship.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Update the stakeholder engagement plan to reduce the stakeholder's influence
Why it's wrong here
Reducing influence without communication is not appropriate; the stakeholder may have valid concerns.
- ✗
Ignore the issue and try to align the team's priorities yourself
Why it's wrong here
Ignoring the issue will likely worsen confusion and undermine the PM's authority.
- ✗
Inform the sponsor about the stakeholder's behavior
Why it's wrong here
Escalation should be a last resort after direct communication fails.
- ✓
Speak with the stakeholder privately to explain the impact of bypassing the PM and reinforce the communication plan
Why this is correct
Direct, respectful communication is the best way to resolve the issue and realign expectations.
Visual reference
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to the PMP Exam and Project Management Basics
Key term
Stakeholder Engagement
Stakeholder engagement is the process of identifying people or groups who have an interest in a project and actively involving them through communication and collaboration to meet their needs and expectations.
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