PMP Managing Project Teams 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A project manager notices two senior developers constantly arguing over technical approaches, causing delays. What is the BEST conflict resolution technique to use first?
- Forcing the project manager's preferred solution
- Collaborating to find a mutually acceptable solution (Correct answer)
- Smoothing over the conflict to maintain harmony
- Avoiding the conflict until it resolves itself
Correct answer: Collaborating to find a mutually acceptable solution
Collaborating (problem solving) is the preferred technique as it addresses root causes and leads to win-win outcomes.
Question 2: Which leadership style is MOST appropriate when team members are highly skilled but lack motivation?
- Directing
- Coaching
- Supporting (Correct answer)
- Delegating
Correct answer: Supporting
Supporting style is best when team members have high competence but low commitment, focusing on motivation rather than task direction.
Question 3: A new team member from another country frequently misses deadlines because they interpret instructions differently. What should the project manager do FIRST?
- Issue a formal warning to the team member
- Escalate to the resource manager immediately
- Establish clear communication norms and written confirmations (Correct answer)
- Replace the team member with a local resource
Correct answer: Establish clear communication norms and written confirmations
Establishing clear communication protocols addresses cultural and language barriers before escalating or taking punitive action.
Question 4: During a retrospective, a team member reveals they feel overwhelmed and close to burnout. What is the project manager's BEST immediate response?
- Remind the team member of contractual obligations
- Adjust workload, offer support, and monitor wellbeing (Correct answer)
- Ask the team member to take unpaid leave
- Redistribute their tasks without informing them
Correct answer: Adjust workload, offer support, and monitor wellbeing
Proactively adjusting workload and supporting the team member addresses burnout risk and maintains team performance.
Question 5: What is the PRIMARY purpose of a team charter in project management?
- To outline individual salary negotiations
- To define team values, agreements, and operating guidelines (Correct answer)
- To assign formal authority to the project manager
- To replace the project management plan
Correct answer: To define team values, agreements, and operating guidelines
A team charter establishes shared norms, expectations, and values that guide how the team will work together.
Question 6: A project manager uses the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument. Which mode results in a lose-lose outcome and should be used sparingly?
- Compromising
- Collaborating
- Avoiding (Correct answer)
- Accommodating
Correct answer: Avoiding
Avoiding produces a lose-lose outcome by not resolving the conflict, leaving both parties unsatisfied.
Question 7: Which of the following BEST describes emotional intelligence (EI) in the context of team management?
- The ability to memorize project schedules accurately
- The capacity to recognize, understand, and manage one's own and others' emotions (Correct answer)
- Using data analytics to predict team performance
- Delegating all interpersonal issues to HR
Correct answer: The capacity to recognize, understand, and manage one's own and others' emotions
Emotional intelligence involves self-awareness, empathy, and the ability to manage emotions to improve team dynamics.
PMP Managing Project Teams 2
A project manager notices two senior developers constantly arguing over technical approaches, causing delays.
What is the BEST conflict resolution technique to use first?