PMP · Question #354
During project execution, a conflict occurs between the project manager and one of the team members at every project team meeting. The ongoing conflict is preventing tasks and deliverables from being
The correct answer is C. Escalate the situation to the project sponsor. An ongoing, severe conflict between the project manager and a team member is consistently impeding project tasks and deliverables. This situation requires intervention beyond typical team-level resolution.
Question
During project execution, a conflict occurs between the project manager and one of the team members at every project team meeting. The ongoing conflict is preventing tasks and deliverables from being completed. The project manager contemplates changing their leadership style. What should the project manager do?
Options
- AReview the set of responsibilities with the team member
- BAvoid the team member to prevent further conflicts
- CEscalate the situation to the project sponsor
- DReview the personnel skill documents
How the community answered
(19 responses)- A5% (1)
- B16% (3)
- C74% (14)
- D5% (1)
Why each option
An ongoing, severe conflict between the project manager and a team member is consistently impeding project tasks and deliverables. This situation requires intervention beyond typical team-level resolution.
Reviewing responsibilities might address clarity, but the question describes an "ongoing conflict" preventing tasks, suggesting a deeper interpersonal or performance issue beyond simple role ambiguity.
Avoiding the team member is an ineffective and detrimental conflict avoidance strategy for a project manager, which will only exacerbate the problem and further hinder project progress.
When persistent conflict between the project manager and a team member significantly impedes project progress and deliverables, it indicates a serious interpersonal issue that has escalated beyond the project manager's ability to resolve independently. Escalating the situation to the project sponsor is appropriate to seek higher-level guidance, mediation, or a decisive action to ensure project objectives can be met.
Reviewing personnel skill documents addresses capability, but it does not directly resolve an ongoing interpersonal conflict between the project manager and a team member that is blocking work.
Concept tested: Conflict resolution and escalation
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