A project manager is managing a large project. During a review meeting, the project manager discovers that one of the team members who use to be a…

The most appropriate initial action for a project manager when noticing a decline in a team member's performance is to engage in direct, private communication. This approach is foundational to effective team management and problem-solving. By speaking with the team member first, the project manager can seek to understand the root cause of the issue without making assumptions. This action demonstrates respect, builds trust, and aligns with the servant leadership principle of identifying and removing impediments for the team. Only after understanding the cause can an appropriate corrective action, such as training, task reassignment, or involving other parties, be determined.

1. Project Management Institute. (2021). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Seventh Edition. Section 2.4

Team Performance Domain. This domain emphasizes that project managers should foster team development and employ leadership skills

such as emotional intelligence

to understand and support team members. Direct communication is a key aspect of this.

2. Project Management Institute. (2017). Agile Practice Guide. Section 5.3.1

Servant Leadership. This section describes the servant leader's role as one who "understands and addresses team members' needs and impediments." The first step to understanding an impediment is to talk to the affected person.

3. Kerzner

H. (2017). Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning

Scheduling

and Controlling (12th ed.). Wiley. Chapter 5

"Management Functions

" discusses the leadership function

which includes communicating with and motivating team members. Addressing performance issues begins with direct communication to diagnose the problem.