PMP · Question #29
Atypically high-performing team member has started to demonstrate a performance drop as well as some aggressive behaviors toward other team members in meetings. The project manager has worked with thi
The correct answer is C. Discuss the project manager's observations with the individual to determine why they are. When a high-performing team member exhibits a sudden performance drop and aggressive behavior, the project manager should directly and privately discuss these observations with the individual. This empathetic approach seeks to understand the underlying cause and offers support be
Question
Atypically high-performing team member has started to demonstrate a performance drop as well as some aggressive behaviors toward other team members in meetings. The project manager has worked with this individual for many months on this project and has not seen this type of behavior before. What should the project manager do?
Options
- ADiscuss the individual's behavior with the other team members to determine if they have noticed
- BAttend more team meetings to observe the team more closely to determine the root cause
- CDiscuss the project manager's observations with the individual to determine why they are
- DDiscuss their performance with the team member's functional manager as well as human
How the community answered
(30 responses)- A7% (2)
- B10% (3)
- C80% (24)
- D3% (1)
Why each option
When a high-performing team member exhibits a sudden performance drop and aggressive behavior, the project manager should directly and privately discuss these observations with the individual. This empathetic approach seeks to understand the underlying cause and offers support before escalation.
Discussing a team member's behavior with other team members is inappropriate, unprofessional, and can violate privacy, potentially damaging trust and team morale.
While observation is good, a direct discussion is more proactive and efficient than prolonged passive observation when a clear performance and behavioral issue is already apparent.
The most appropriate first step is for the project manager to have a direct, private conversation with the individual about the observed changes in behavior and performance. This allows the individual to explain potential personal or professional issues, demonstrates the project manager's concern, and provides an opportunity for resolution or support before escalating the situation.
Discussing with the functional manager or HR is an escalation step that should typically occur *after* the project manager has attempted to address the issue directly with the team member first.
Concept tested: Conflict resolution and performance management
Source: https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/managing-team-conflict-1017
Topics
Community Discussion
4
Carlos M.May 11, 2026C is the right call. PMI wants you to talk directly with the person first before escalating or dragging teammates into it.
Grace U.May 13, 2026Agreed on C, and the key phrase exam writers love is "directly" - it signals the one-on-one conversation before any kind of escalation path kicks in.
Grace U.May 22, 2026I first leaned toward B, thinking that gathering more observation data first would help confirm the pattern before acting. But the project manager already has direct, firsthand experience with this person over many months, so the behavior change is clear enough to address. C is correct because the PM should go straight to the individual in a private, supportive conversation to understand what is driving the shift. PMP favors direct interpersonal engagement over indirect observation or escalation when you already have a working relationship and enough evidence to speak up.
Brenda K.May 29, 2026Got this exact question on my exam last June, picked C because direct conversation is fastest.