PMP · Question #1006
An iteration is almost finished, but the team is struggling to complete the stories that require more time. What should the project manager do first?
The correct answer is A. Meet with the project team to develop a proper resolution to the issue. When a team struggles to complete stories in an iteration, the project manager should first meet with the team to collaboratively identify the root causes and develop a resolution.
Question
An iteration is almost finished, but the team is struggling to complete the stories that require more time. What should the project manager do first?
Options
- AMeet with the project team to develop a proper resolution to the issue.
- BRequest approval from the project sponsor to add more resources
- CPrepare documentation to explain the issue and communicate accordingly.
- DUpdate the project artifacts to reflect the new deadlines reported.
How the community answered
(63 responses)- A84% (53)
- B5% (3)
- C2% (1)
- D10% (6)
Why each option
When a team struggles to complete stories in an iteration, the project manager should first meet with the team to collaboratively identify the root causes and develop a resolution.
If a team is struggling to complete stories as an iteration nears its end, the project manager's immediate priority is to convene with the team to understand the challenges, brainstorm solutions, and collectively decide on the best course of action. This collaborative approach ensures that the resolution is practical, team-owned, and addresses the actual impediments.
Requesting additional resources is a potential solution, but it's premature before first understanding the specific reasons for the struggle and discussing internal team-based solutions.
Preparing documentation and communicating is a reporting activity and does not actively help the team overcome their current challenges in completing the work.
Updating project artifacts and reflecting new deadlines is a consequence of a resolution, not the initial step to actively solve the team's problem.
Concept tested: Agile problem-solving, team collaboration
Source: https://www.pmi.org/pmbok-guide-standards/agile-practice-guide
Topics
Community Discussion
4
Imani T.Jan 10, 2026A is correct. In an agile environment the team self-organizes to solve problems, so the PM's first move is always to bring everyone together to figure out a resolution rather than escalating or updating artifacts right away.
Ingrid P.Feb 3, 2026I first leaned toward C because communicating the issue felt like the safe move, but the word "first" is the key here, you address it with the team before escalating or documenting anything. A is correct because the PM's immediate responsibility is to facilitate a resolution with the people doing the work, not to start writing reports or pulling in the sponsor.
Imani T.Feb 6, 2026Agreed on A, and I would add that the word "first" is also what knocks out C, because communicating the issue to stakeholders is itself a form of escalation if you do it before trying to resolve it with the team.
Bao N.Jan 18, 2026Got A on my exam last month and C is the trap because people think they need to document everything first. In Agile you meet with the team and figure it out together, you do not go running to the sponsor or updating artifacts before you even have a resolution.