Pass PMP Exam Guide

 According to the PMBOK Guide, the first step in conflict resolution is to understand the root cause of the conflict. In this case, the project manager should first have a direct conversation with the functional manager to understand their perspective and the reasons behind their reluctance to release the staff. This approach aligns with the PMI’s emphasis on communication and stakeholder engagement as key aspects of project management. References: PMBOK Guide, 6th Edition, Chapter 9: Project Resource Management, Section 9.5: Manage Team

 When a project manager realizes that the current team may not be knowledgeable enough about organizational processes for the needs of a new project, the best course of action is to develop the team members to work as a cross-functional team1. This involves creating a list of the skills or knowledge a project requires, assessing current employee skills, and providing training as needed2. This approach ensures that the team members are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively carry out the project tasks1. References: 4 Phases of the Project Management Lifecycle Explained, 12 Project Management Challenges and How To Solve Them

The project manager should aim to resolve conflicts in a way that promotes understanding and cooperation among all team members. This involves understanding the emotions and perspectives of all parties involved, and finding ways to reduce tension and increase cooperation. Simply issuing warnings or sending individuals to training may not address the root cause of the conflict. Similarly, establishing special rules or treatment for certain individuals may not be fair or effective in the long term. The project manager should strive to create an environment where all team members feel heard, understood, and valued. References: PMBOK® Guide – Sixth Edition, Project Management Institute, Inc., 2017, pp. 349-350. Available at:

In the context of project management, particularly in an agile environment, the project manager should work more closely with the agile team to eliminate the need for progress reports1. This approach allows the resource who was previously responsible for producing progress reports to utilize their skills to assist other team members with their workload1. This strategy not only optimizes the time of the resource but also enhances the productivity and performance of the entire team1. It is important to note that effective time management and resource optimization are critical for the success of a project23.