PMP People — Leading Projects Practice Question
Your project team is experiencing conflict due to different working styles: some members prefer detailed plans, while others prefer flexibility. The conflict is affecting morale and productivity. Which THREE actions should you take to resolve the situation?
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to choose 'Ignore the conflict' (Option D) thinking it's a 'focus on results' mindset, but the PMP exam consistently penalizes avoidance as it fails to address the underlying interpersonal risk, which will likely resurface and worsen.
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
✓
Develop a team charter that includes agreed-upon norms for planning and flexibility
Developing a team charter that includes agreed-upon norms for planning and flexibility is correct because it formalizes a shared understanding of how the team will operate, directly addressing the root cause of the conflict—differing working styles. This aligns with the PMBOK Guide's emphasis on establishing team ground rules early to prevent and resolve interpersonal conflicts, thereby improving morale and productivity.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Develop a team charter that includes agreed-upon norms for planning and flexibility
Why this is correct
A team charter is a critical project document that establishes clear expectations, values, and operating guidelines for the project team. By collaboratively developing a charter that specifically addresses norms for planning rigor versus adaptive flexibility, the team can codify a mutually agreed-upon balance. This proactive approach ensures that diverse working style preferences are respected and integrated into the team's operational framework, preventing future conflicts and fostering a cohesive environment.
- ✓
Negotiate a compromise where both approaches are used in different phases of the project
Why this is correct
Negotiating a compromise, a common conflict resolution technique, allows for a tailored approach that integrates elements of both preferences. For instance, detailed planning could be prioritized during initial phases like scope definition, while greater flexibility is adopted during execution or integration phases. This strategy satisfies both parties by acknowledging the validity of each approach in specific contexts, thereby improving team collaboration and overall project adaptability.
- ✓
Facilitate a team discussion to understand each member's working style preferences
Why this is correct
Facilitating an open team discussion is a foundational step in conflict resolution, enabling team members to articulate and understand each other's working style preferences and underlying motivations. This process fosters empathy and psychological safety, moving beyond surface-level disagreements to uncover common ground or areas for mutual adjustment. Gaining this shared understanding is crucial for developing effective, sustainable solutions that address the root causes of the conflict.
- ✗
Ignore the conflict and focus on delivering the project on time
Why it's wrong here
Ignoring conflict, also known as the avoidance or withdrawal technique, is generally detrimental in project management as it allows underlying issues to fester and escalate. Unresolved conflicts can erode team morale, decrease trust, and ultimately lead to reduced productivity and missed deadlines, despite the initial intention to focus on delivery. A project manager must address conflicts proactively to maintain a healthy team environment and ensure project success.
- ✗
Decide on a single working style and enforce it across the team
Why it's wrong here
Deciding on a single working style and unilaterally enforcing it across the team represents an authoritative, win-lose approach to conflict resolution. While it might provide a temporary resolution, it fails to address the root causes of the conflict and can alienate team members whose preferences are disregarded. This approach stifles diversity of thought, reduces team buy-in, and can lead to resentment, decreased motivation, and ultimately, suboptimal project outcomes.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
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This PMP practice question is part of Courseiva's free PMI certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the PMP exam.