PMP · Question #65
A project manager is managing a mobile application development project when one of the experienced team members starts missing deadlines. The delays will impact project implementation. What should…
The correct answer is D. Meet with the team member to understand their concerns and/or issues. The project manager should directly meet with the team member to understand the reasons behind their missed deadlines, as this direct communication is the most effective way to identify and address performance issues.
Question
Options
- AAssign an additional resource to help the team member with the tasks
- BAsk the team member's functional manager if there are any known issues
- CConvene a team meeting to encourage and motivate the entire team
- DMeet with the team member to understand their concerns and/or issues
How the community answered
(30 responses)- A13% (4)
- B3% (1)
- C3% (1)
- D80% (24)
Why each option
The project manager should directly meet with the team member to understand the reasons behind their missed deadlines, as this direct communication is the most effective way to identify and address performance issues.
Assigning an additional resource without understanding the root cause might not solve the problem and could lead to inefficient resource allocation or resentment.
Going directly to the functional manager before speaking with the team member is an escalation that bypasses the individual and could damage trust and rapport.
Convening a general team meeting to motivate everyone doesn't address the specific performance issue of one team member and might be perceived as indirect or unhelpful.
When an experienced team member's performance declines, the most appropriate first step is a direct, private conversation with the individual. This allows the project manager to understand the underlying causes of the missed deadlines, such as workload issues, personal problems, technical challenges, or lack of clarity, and demonstrates support and concern for the team member.
Concept tested: Addressing individual team performance issues
Source: https://www.pmi.org/pmbok-guide-standards/foundational/pmbok/resource-management
Topics
Community Discussion
4
Fatima Z.Dec 17, 2025D is the answer, and my memory hook is MEET: Meet, Empathize, Evaluate, and Tackle. You always sit down with the individual first to understand the root cause before touching resources or dragging the whole team into a motivation meeting.
Carlos M.Dec 12, 2025D is the right call here, PMI always wants you to talk to the person directly before escalating or adding resources. Quick question though, does anyone know if the exam expects you to go straight to the functional manager in a matrix org if the one-on-one doesn't resolve it, or do you loop in the sponsor first?
Orla P.Dec 13, 2025Agree on D for the direct conversation first, but on your matrix question the exam generally wants you to go to the functional manager next, not the sponsor, since the sponsor is for bigger roadblocks like funding or scope disputes, not day-to-day resource availability tugs-of-war.
Orla P.Nov 29, 2025D showed up almost word for word on my exam last month. The PMI mindset is always go talk to the person first before escalating to a functional manager or throwing resources at the problem.