PMP · Question #195
A project manager is working on a financial system implementation project for a government company. One of the key stakeholders, who uses predictive approaches, does not like virtual tools such as cha
The correct answer is B. Align and agree with the stakeholder on the communication approach.. When a key stakeholder has specific communication preferences that differ from the project team's, the project manager should proactively align and agree upon a mutually acceptable communication approach.
Question
A project manager is working on a financial system implementation project for a government company. One of the key stakeholders, who uses predictive approaches, does not like virtual tools such as chats, task trackers, and so forth. They prefer email, telephone calls, and face-to- face meetings. How should the project manager approach this situation?
Options
- AUse regular screen-sharing sessions to show the progress to the stakeholder.
- BAlign and agree with the stakeholder on the communication approach.
- CAsk the manager to use virtual communication tools and online dashboards.
- DCreate a digital dashboard to meet the manager's information needs.
How the community answered
(24 responses)- A8% (2)
- B46% (11)
- C29% (7)
- D17% (4)
Why each option
When a key stakeholder has specific communication preferences that differ from the project team's, the project manager should proactively align and agree upon a mutually acceptable communication approach.
While screen-sharing sessions can be useful, this choice assumes the stakeholder is open to some virtual tools, which contradicts their stated preference against them, and it doesn't represent a collaborative agreement on the overall approach.
Effective stakeholder management requires understanding and accommodating stakeholders' communication preferences, especially for key stakeholders; aligning and agreeing on the communication approach ensures that critical information is exchanged effectively, fostering stakeholder engagement and support.
Forcing a key stakeholder to use tools they dislike can lead to disengagement and resistance, negatively impacting project communication and stakeholder relationships.
Creating a digital dashboard, while potentially useful, might not be the preferred method for this stakeholder and does not represent a collaborative agreement on the communication strategy, potentially leading to unused tools and unmet expectations.
Concept tested: Stakeholder communication management
Source: https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/managing-stakeholder-expectations-6379
Topics
Community Discussion
7
Fatima Z.Jun 2, 2026Confirmed B on exam last week. I remember this one with my PICK rule: Partner, Individualize, Communicate, Keep it simple. You cannot force a predictive stakeholder into virtual dashboards, so you sit down and align on a communication approach that fits their style. A, C, and D all push tools the stakeholder already rejected, which is a trap answer. Think "Agree before you App" to remember that agreement always comes before the tool choice.
Hiroshi T.Jun 4, 2026B is correct per PMI Stakeholder Engagement principle 5.2.1, which positions communication method and frequency agreement before tool selection, though the PICK mnemonic is forum-originated and not from PMBOK 7 or the PMP Examination Content Outline.
Wesley A.May 29, 2026Failed first try picking C. Does tailoring communications to stakeholder preferences always win on PMP?
Yusuf A.May 29, 2026Not always, because my mentor pointed out that if the question emphasizes a specific issue or escalation, you sometimes have to prioritize addressing the actual problem over matching a preferred channel.
Mei-Ling H.Jun 16, 2026Picked B because the stakeholder prefers non-virtual communication, so you must adapt to their needs rather than force tools on them. D is tempting since a dashboard sounds proactive, but it ignores the qualifier that this stakeholder does not like virtual tools, which flips the answer away from anything digital.
Hiroshi T.Jun 7, 2026I first leaned toward A because screen-sharing sessions feel like a reasonable middle ground between virtual tools and face-to-face engagement. The issue is that A still imposes a virtual communication method on a stakeholder who has explicitly stated their preference. PMI's stance on stakeholder engagement is clear in the PMBOK Guide: the project manager must tailor communication methods to stakeholder needs and preferences, then reach agreement on the approach. B is the only option that reflects this principle of collaboration and alignment rather than unilaterally deciding how the stakeholder will be kept informed.
Yusuf A.Jun 20, 2026I actually had almost this exact question on my exam last month and landed on B. The key thing my mentor drilled into me before I sat for it was that stakeholder engagement is about meeting people where they are, not forcing them into tools they resist. C and D both push digital tools on someone who explicitly said they do not like them, and A picks one specific method without actually consulting the stakeholder first. B is the PMI answer because you sit down, figure out what works for both sides, and document it in the communications management plan. Anyone else find it odd how often these scenarios