PMP Question #748: Real Exam Question with Answer & Explanation

Question

The team lead on a project has left the organization and management wants to promote engineer A to this position. The project manager is confident that selecting engineer A will add problems to the project and believes that engineer B would better fit this role. The project manager discussed all of the arguments with management but their decision remains unchanged. What should the project manager do?

Options

• APromote engineer B instead since the project manager has the authority to make this decision.
• BHelp engineer A to become familiar with this new role and ensure engineer B stays motivated.
• CCoach engineer B to be prepared to perform this role if and when engineer A fails.
• DRequest management approval that engineer B will be promoted if engineer A fails in this role.

Explanation

Despite personal disagreement, a project manager must support management's decision, help the new team lead succeed, and ensure other valuable team members remain engaged.

Common mistakes.

• A. The project manager does not have the authority to override a management decision, especially after discussion, as this undermines management and organizational structure.
• C. Coaching Engineer B to be ready for Engineer A's failure is counterproductive, creates a hostile environment, and contradicts the project manager's responsibility to support the appointed lead.
• D. Requesting approval for Engineer B's promotion only if Engineer A fails is an unsupportive action that suggests a lack of confidence in management's choice and could demotivate Engineer A.

Concept tested. Project manager's role in supporting management decisions and team development

Reference. https://www.pmi.org/pmbok-guide-standards/foundational/pmbok/project-resource-management

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