PMP · Question #1339
A project manager in one country is reporting to a lead project manager for a new software development project in another country. The lead project manager constantly requests updates from the project
The correct answer is B. Negotiate a mutually agreeable feedback cycle with acceptable timelines.. To address constant, urgent communication demands from a peer lead project manager, the project manager should directly negotiate a mutually agreeable feedback cycle and communication expectations.
Question
A project manager in one country is reporting to a lead project manager for a new software development project in another country. The lead project manager constantly requests updates from the project manager, often demanding information via multiple communication channels if the project manager does not respond within a few minutes of a request. Both of them are equal in seniority and both report to the same functional manager. How should the project manager proceed?
Options
- ARefer the lead project manager to the communications management plan.
- BNegotiate a mutually agreeable feedback cycle with acceptable timelines.
- CUpdate the communications management plan and the stakeholder engagement plan.
- DEscalate the issue to the functional manager and explain the situation to them.
How the community answered
(29 responses)- A10% (3)
- B83% (24)
- C3% (1)
- D3% (1)
Why each option
To address constant, urgent communication demands from a peer lead project manager, the project manager should directly negotiate a mutually agreeable feedback cycle and communication expectations.
Simply referring the lead project manager to the communications management plan might be perceived as dismissive or unhelpful if the plan doesn't specifically address this level of detail or if the lead PM is not adhering to it.
The core issue is a mismatch in communication expectations and preferred frequency between two project managers of equal seniority. The most effective first step is direct communication to negotiate and establish a mutually agreeable feedback cycle, including acceptable response times and communication channels, fostering a professional and efficient working relationship.
Updating the communications management plan and stakeholder engagement plan unilaterally without direct negotiation won't immediately resolve the ongoing conflict with the peer.
Escalating the issue to the functional manager immediately bypasses the opportunity for direct peer-to-peer conflict resolution, which should always be the first approach in such situations.
Concept tested: Communication management and conflict resolution
Source: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/project-management/communication-management-project-plan
Topics
Community Discussion
4
Orla P.Mar 12, 2026Confirmed B on exam last week. The PMI mindset here is that two peers of equal seniority should work it out between themselves first, and negotiating a feedback cycle directly addresses the root problem without escalating prematurely. A is tempting because the communications management plan sounds relevant, but just pointing someone to a document is passive and does not actually resolve the conflict. D is the trap answer for anyone who thinks escalation is always the move, but you burn that option when a straightforward conversation between peers will fix it.
Imani T.Mar 7, 2026B is correct. PMI wants you to negotiate communication expectations before escalating.
Wei W.Mar 8, 2026Agreed on B, and the deeper agile principle here is that communication preferences and channels get figured out early within the team rather than imposed from above, so escalation should genuinely be the last resort after you have tried direct conversation first.
Wei W.Feb 26, 2026B is correct but wow, negotiate with someone micromanaging you on a loop?