In a daily standup meeting, a project manager notices that a team member's reports include incomplete tasks with no impediments. A colleague informs…

This scenario tests the project manager's emotional intelligence and application of servant leadership principles. The primary responsibility of a project manager is to support the team. Noticing a deviation in performance coupled with information about a personal issue requires a supportive, not punitive, response. The most appropriate first step is to approach the team member with empathy, seek to understand the situation in a private and respectful manner, and offer support. This builds trust, addresses the root cause of the performance issue, and fosters a psychologically safe environment, which is crucial for team cohesion and long-term performance.

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

Section 3.4

Models

Methods

and Artifacts - Leadership: This section discusses various leadership styles

including servant leadership. It states

"Servant leaders focus on understanding and addressing the needs and development of team members in order to enable the highest possible team performance." Option D is a direct application of this principle.

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

Section 5.2.2

Servant Leadership: This section emphasizes that servant leaders "put the needs of others first" and "create an environment of trust." Understanding a team member's issue and offering support is a core tenet of creating this environment.

3. Clarke

N. (2010). Emotional intelligence and its relationship to transformational leadership and key project manager competences. Project Management Journal

41(2)

5-20.

Page 10: This study empirically links emotional intelligence (EI) to project manager competence. The competency of "empathy" (a key component of EI) is critical. The article states

"EI is significantly related to project manager competencies for leadership..." Approaching the team member with understanding (Option D) is a direct application of empathy and effective leadership. (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/pmj.20162)