PMP · Question #19
A key project stakeholder has started to escalate all issues and main requirements to the project sponsor. The project manager is concerned about the team not receiving direct communications from this
The correct answer is B. Promote an adaptive and transparent environment where the team can easily communicate with E. Schedule regular meetings with the key stakeholder to provide updates and receive feedback. To improve relations with a key stakeholder who is bypassing the team, the project manager should promote a transparent communication environment and establish regular, direct feedback sessions.
Question
A key project stakeholder has started to escalate all issues and main requirements to the project sponsor. The project manager is concerned about the team not receiving direct communications from this stakeholder. Which two actions should the project manager take to improve the relationship with the stakeholder? (Choose two.)
Options
- AProvide training to the team on emotional intelligence and status reporting techniques
- BPromote an adaptive and transparent environment where the team can easily communicate with
- CShare weekly status reports with detailed information about the project and team performance
- DSubmit performance reports and task assignments to keep the stakeholder informed
- ESchedule regular meetings with the key stakeholder to provide updates and receive feedback
How the community answered
(38 responses)- A5% (2)
- B76% (29)
- C16% (6)
- D3% (1)
Why each option
To improve relations with a key stakeholder who is bypassing the team, the project manager should promote a transparent communication environment and establish regular, direct feedback sessions.
Providing emotional intelligence training to the team, while beneficial for general team dynamics, does not directly address the specific issue of a stakeholder bypassing communication channels or actively improve the relationship with that particular stakeholder's communication habits.
Promoting an adaptive and transparent environment encourages direct and open communication channels between the team and all stakeholders, fostering trust and accessibility, which can reduce the stakeholder's perceived need to bypass the project manager and escalate issues.
Sharing weekly status reports is a one-way communication method that informs the stakeholder but does not actively encourage them to engage directly with the team or prevent them from escalating issues and requirements.
Submitting performance reports and task assignments primarily serves informational and accountability purposes and does not inherently create the two-way communication and trust-building required to improve a relationship with a stakeholder who is bypassing channels.
Scheduling regular, dedicated meetings with the key stakeholder creates a consistent, two-way communication channel where the project manager can provide updates, address concerns directly, and actively solicit feedback, rebuilding trust and encouraging the stakeholder to communicate through established project channels.
Concept tested: Stakeholder Engagement, Communication Management, Relationship Building
Topics
Community Discussion
5
Zlatan X.Jan 2, 2026B and E are the correct pair. B addresses the systemic communication gap by creating a transparent environment where the stakeholder feels confident engaging the team directly instead of bypassing them to the sponsor, while E establishes the governance cadence for regular updates and feedback that rebuilds trust at the stakeholder relationship level.
Yusuf A.Jan 3, 2026B and E line up with what my mentor calls the two tracks, fix the channel and fix the rhythm, but I would just add that E only works if the sponsor actually shows up to those updates, otherwise the stakeholder goes right back to bypassing.
Yusuf A.Jan 11, 2026Got B and E on my exam last month, my mentor said engagement fixes escalation.
Wesley A.Jan 17, 2026B and E are the right picks here. The stakeholder is bypassing the team because they do not feel plugged in, so E gets you back in front of them directly and B fixes the root cause by making communication open and easy. I had this exact scenario on my second attempt and almost picked D because it sounded proactive, but dumping reports on someone who already feels disconnected just creates more noise. Failed my first try partly because I kept choosing those "send a report" options instead of actually engaging the person.
Mateus R.Jan 20, 2026Got B and E on my exam last month. Think neighbor talking to HOA president instead of you, so you invite them over for coffee and leave the fence gate open.