PMP · Question #1336
A project manager is leading a project that has been in execution for 1 year. An experienced team member is performing well, but often disagrees with the project manager and refuses to implement their
The correct answer is D. Understand what the team member wants and find possible opportunities to address it.. When an experienced team member frequently defies decisions and has team support, the project manager should first seek to understand the underlying reasons for the defiance.
Question
A project manager is leading a project that has been in execution for 1 year. An experienced team member is performing well, but often disagrees with the project manager and refuses to implement their decisions. Part of the team supports the team member's defiance, while the other team members do not. What should the project manager do?
Options
- AConduct a performance review and define and document the goals for the team member.
- BRemove existing ground rules and create new ground rules that support the project manager.
- CClarify decisions and request that the project team follows the project manager's decisions.
- DUnderstand what the team member wants and find possible opportunities to address it.
How the community answered
(23 responses)- A4% (1)
- B4% (1)
- C13% (3)
- D78% (18)
Why each option
When an experienced team member frequently defies decisions and has team support, the project manager should first seek to understand the underlying reasons for the defiance.
Conducting a performance review and defining goals may be a later step, but without first understanding the 'why,' it might not address the core issue and could be perceived as punitive.
Removing existing and creating new ground rules unilaterally to support the project manager is unlikely to resolve the conflict and could further alienate the team members.
Simply clarifying decisions and demanding adherence without understanding the underlying reasons for the defiance will likely worsen the conflict and erode trust rather than resolve it.
When a team member, especially an experienced one, frequently disagrees and refuses decisions, and has some team support, the project manager's primary action should be to understand the root cause of this behavior. By actively listening and seeking to comprehend their perspective, the project manager can identify potential valid concerns, unaddressed issues, or opportunities for conflict resolution and mutual understanding, which is crucial before escalating or imposing authority.
Concept tested: Conflict resolution and team management
Source: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/project-management/conflict-management-project-plan
Topics
Community Discussion
7
Bao N.Jul 4, 2026D is the correct answer here, and it is a classic servant-leadership trap. People pick C because it sounds decisive, but forcing compliance when part of the team already sides with the defiant member just breeds more resentment. The PMI mindset is to understand the root cause first and look for a collaborative solution before escalating to discipline. A is premature without that conversation, and B is just petty.
Orla P.Jul 6, 2026Agree on D, and the quick complementary angle is that the testing center does not care which leadership theory you picked, so just make sure you click D, flag it if you are unsure, and move on so you do not burn the clock on a question you can revisit at the end.
Orla P.Jul 5, 2026D is correct. Anyone know if PMI always wants explore before enforce?
Imani T.Jul 5, 2026Going with B. The team is split and the authority chain is breaking down, so resetting ground rules to reestablish who actually runs the project is the move that puts you back in control before the dysfunction spreads further.
Bao N.Jul 7, 2026D is the right call here. When the team is split and authority is breaking down, the move is to facilitate getting them to consensus, not cracking down on ground rules.
Carlos M.Jul 5, 2026Going with C. PM owns decisions, team needs to fall in line.
Bao N.Jul 7, 2026D is correct here. PM facilitates and guides the team to a decision, they don't just override everyone and force compliance, which is what C is implying.