PMI Project Leadership & Team Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A project manager notices two senior team members are in ongoing conflict over technical decisions, affecting team morale. What is the BEST approach?
- Ignore the conflict and let them resolve it independently
- Facilitate a structured discussion to identify a mutually acceptable solution (Correct answer)
- Reassign one team member to a different project immediately
- Escalate the issue to the project sponsor for resolution
Correct answer: Facilitate a structured discussion to identify a mutually acceptable solution
Facilitating structured dialogue allows the PM to address root causes and restore collaboration without losing key talent.
Question 2: According to the PMI framework, 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 focuses on motivating and boosting confidence of competent team members who need encouragement rather than guidance.
Question 3: A newly formed project team is in the 'storming' stage of Tuckman's model. What should the project manager do?
- Allow the team to self-organize without interference
- Enforce strict rules to eliminate disagreements
- Acknowledge differences and help the team establish norms (Correct answer)
- Replace underperforming team members immediately
Correct answer: Acknowledge differences and help the team establish norms
During storming, the PM's role is to facilitate norm-setting and help the team work through conflicts constructively.
Question 4: Which motivational theory suggests that people are motivated by a hierarchy of needs, with physiological needs at the base?
- Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory
- McGregor's Theory X and Y
- Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs (Correct answer)
- Vroom's Expectancy Theory
Correct answer: Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs identifies five levels from physiological to self-actualization, providing a framework for understanding motivation.
Question 5: A project manager wants to improve team performance through formal recognition. Which tool is MOST appropriate?
- Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM)
- Team Performance Assessments
- Rewards and Recognition systems (Correct answer)
- Resource Breakdown Structure
Correct answer: Rewards and Recognition systems
Rewards and recognition systems are tools within the Manage Team process used to reinforce positive behaviors and boost morale.
Question 6: When a virtual team spans multiple time zones, which communication strategy is MOST effective for ensuring alignment?
- Rely solely on email updates to keep records
- Establish overlapping work hours and rotate meeting schedules equitably (Correct answer)
- Schedule all meetings in the project manager's time zone
- Limit communication to weekly status reports
Correct answer: Establish overlapping work hours and rotate meeting schedules equitably
Equitable rotation of meeting times and overlapping hours respects all team members and ensures consistent alignment across time zones.
Question 7: A project manager is using a RACI chart. What does the 'C' (Consulted) role signify?
- The person responsible for completing the work
- The person who must approve the deliverable
- Those whose input is sought before decisions are made (Correct answer)
- Those who are kept informed of progress
Correct answer: Those whose input is sought before decisions are made
Consulted individuals provide expertise or input that informs decisions, and communication is typically two-way.
PMI Project Leadership & Team Management 2
A project manager notices two senior team members are in ongoing conflict over technical decisions, affecting team morale.
What is the BEST approach?