PMP · Question #255
A project manager has noticed that a critical team member is consistently arguing with a client. This has started to have a negative effect on the meetings. How should the project manager address this
The correct answer is B. Explain the impact of the scenario to the project team member.. The project manager should address the issue directly with the team member, explaining the negative impact of their argumentative behavior on client relationships and meetings.
Question
Options
- ATalk to the client privately to highlight the situation.
- BExplain the impact of the scenario to the project team member.
- CRemove the project team member from all future meetings.
- DRecommend a performance improvement plan to the project team member.
How the community answered
(47 responses)- A2% (1)
- B83% (39)
- C4% (2)
- D11% (5)
Why each option
The project manager should address the issue directly with the team member, explaining the negative impact of their argumentative behavior on client relationships and meetings.
Talking to the client first might undermine the team member, damage trust, and escalate the issue externally before attempting to resolve it internally with the team member.
The project manager should first engage in a private conversation with the team member to explain how their argumentative behavior is negatively affecting client relations and project meetings. This direct feedback allows the team member to understand the consequences of their actions and provides an opportunity for them to modify their behavior, which is a key step in conflict resolution and team performance management.
Removing the team member immediately is a drastic and potentially demotivating action that doesn't address the root cause or offer an opportunity for behavioral correction.
A performance improvement plan (PIP) is a formal measure typically used for persistent performance issues after initial coaching and feedback have failed, making it a premature step for this situation.
Concept tested: Conflict resolution & team management
Source: https://www.pmi.org/pmbok-guide-standards/foundational/pmbok
Topics
Community Discussion
7
Yusuf A.May 22, 2026B is correct here. My senior PM always says deal with your own team first before escalating, so explaining the impact to the team member directly is the right move before jumping to removal or a PIP.
Mateus R.May 23, 2026Yusuf is right but heads up, the exam is not asking what a decent PM would do first, it is asking what the PMBOK process calls for, and those two disagree more often than you would expect.
Orla P.May 1, 2026Confirmed B on my attempt last month. PMI wants you to address the team member directly and explain how their behavior is impacting the project before escalating to formal action like D. Does anyone know if the exam always expects you to coach the internal team member first before involving the client or HR, even when the conflict is actively disrupting client meetings?
Mateus R.Apr 14, 2026Picking C. Like pulling a bickering waiter off the floor before he chases off paying diners.
Yusuf A.Apr 17, 2026Actually it is B. One of the seniors on my team showed me this exact pattern last week, the combination of automated and schedule is the giveaway for Azure Data Factory, while C sounds reasonable but points at a different service entirely.
Wesley A.May 8, 2026Failed this one on my first attempt because I jumped straight to C. The right move is B, you address the team member directly and explain the impact before escalating to anything like a PIP. Does anyone know if the exam always expects you to coach internally before involving HR or formal performance plans?
Yusuf A.May 10, 2026Yeah B is the pattern here, but my mentor who just got his PMP told me the exam generally wants you to follow the escalation ladder starting with direct conversation, then documented coaching, and only then formal steps, so always pick the least punitive option that still addresses the problem.