PM·PREP

PMP® practice question: Apply emotional intelligence

People domain · n/a approach · easy

PeopleApply emotional intelligenceeasy

A normally engaged, high-performing team member has become withdrawn and is missing commitments, and the project manager is unsure why. What should the project manager do first?

  • AHave a private, supportive one-on-one conversation to listen and understand what is going on.
  • BReassign the member's tasks to protect the schedule before discussing anything.
  • CRaise the member's performance drop in the next team meeting to address it transparently.
  • DWait to see whether the behavior improves on its own.

Explanation

Correct answer: A

Emotionally intelligent leadership starts with understanding the individual before taking action.

A
Correct. A private, empathetic conversation surfaces the real issue and respects the individual.
B
Acting before understanding may compound the problem and signals a lack of support.
C
Discussing an individual's performance in front of the team is inappropriate and can be humiliating.
D
Passive waiting neglects a member who may need support and lets commitments continue to slip.

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