Deck 2: The Effective Project Manager

Question 1

In a project meeting, if someone suggested using a "parking lot," this would refer to:

A) A decision to put the project on hold
B) Group agreement to end the meeting and head home
C) A waiting list for discussion items not on the agenda
D) Removal of a team member from the project
E) A warning that the sponsor has withheld resources.

Answer 1

A waiting list for discussion items not on the agenda

Question 2

In which of the following ways can a project manager benefit from leading team meetings effectively?

A) Increases the likelihood the PM will attract the right people to future projects
B) Establishes the PM's reputation as a good manager and leader
C) Facilitates effective communication among team members
D) Establishes the PM's authority as the primary decision maker
E) All of the above
F) All but D.

Answer 2

All but D.

Question 3

Which of these are characteristics of the best project managers?

A) Sensitive, yet tyrannical
B) Creative, but not too technical
C) Disciplined, yet flexible
D) Extrovert
E) All of these
F) All but c

Answer 3

Disciplined, yet flexible

Question 4

Under which of the following conditions would a project manager be wise to use a compromising approach to resolve a project conflict?

A) When it is important to avoid areas of difference
B) The issue is of paramount importance and the project manager knows she has the right answer
C) When a discussion of differing perspectives is likely to lead to a better solution
D) When it makes sense to gain at least some degree of satisfaction from all dispute parties
E) None of these

Question 5

Intrinsic motivators:

A) Are factors having to do with the task itself that drive individuals and teams to participate and perform
B) Are most generally associated with fear of failure
C) Include factors such as pay, bonuses, and the opportunity for promotion
D) Are the same for all people
E) A and B only
F) A and C only
G) B and C only

Question 6

A colleague has come to you asking for advice on how best to approach an upcoming negotiation. You have elected to share with her the "principled negotiation" approach. Which of the following points should you include in your advice? Circle all that apply.

A) To gain best advantage, view yourself as working against the party with whom you are attempting to reach agreement.
B) Focus on interests, not positions.
C) Try trading for what you want and see if you can compromise.
D) Think broadly about possible solutions that advance the shared concerns of the various parties involved in the negotiation.
E) Insist that the outcome of the negotiation reflect some fair standard.

Question 7

At a November meeting, a team member disagrees with the project manager over a proposed deadline for implementing a new sales software platform. The project manager wants the platform to "go live" by the 1^st of January so the upcoming year's data can be uploaded on the same system. The team member, however, believes his division cannot complete the training in time because December is the busiest sales month. This is an example of which type of conflict:

A) Interpersonal conflict
B) Compromising conflict
C) Forcing conflict
D) Task-related conflict
E) None of the above

Question 8

Under which situations does it make the most sense to deliver a message in person rather than by email?

A) You are dealing with a sensitive issue
B) You need fast feedback
C) You need a permanent record of the communication
D) All of the above
E) A and B only
F) B and C only

Question 9

The idea behind the team iceberg is:

A) Sometimes relationships among team members can be very cold.
B) Interpersonal relationships often emerge below the waterline.
C) Icebergs are difficult to see in the distance without binoculars or a telescope.
D) Apparent interpersonal conflicts might actually be manifestations of underlying misunderstandings about goals, roles, or other project parameters.
E) C and D only

Question 10

Imagine Alex has presented a proposal emphasizing what the company stands to lose if it does not move forward with his project. He would be relying on which of the following influence principles?

A) Attribution theory
B) Gambler's fallacy
C) Prospect theory
D) Negativity theory
E) Convergent event construction

Question 11

Rebecca has two possible courses of action to propose. One is significantly more costly than the other, and she is hoping to gain approval for that one. Which of these persuasion strategies is likely to work in her favor?

A) Present the smaller one first. If the sponsor says yes, ask if she would consider the bigger one.
B) Present the smaller one first. If the sponsor says no, ask if she would consider the bigger one.
C) Present the bigger one first. If the sponsor says yes, admit that you were willing to accept the smaller one.
D) Present the bigger one first. If the sponsor says no, ask if she would consider the smaller one.
E) All of these have been shown to be equally effective.

Question 12

To effectively motivate a team, the project manager should understand the following about motivation select all correct items):

A) Once people's basic needs are met, extrinsic motivators are more effective than intrinsic motivators.
B) Determining how to best motivate an individual may involve asking "What can I do to ensure you get the most out of this project."
C) Providing team members with clear, specific, challenging goals is among the most powerful motivators.
D) People will be motivated if they feel a sense of ownership for the project.
E) Money is normally the most important motivator for project team members.

Question 13

A key idea for effective negotiating is to: .

A) Begin by setting a goal of becoming close friends
B) Begin by suggesting trades or exchanges
C) Let the other person know if you don't like his or her personal style
D) Focus on positions, not interests
E) All of the above
F) None of the above

Question 14

Important characteristics of preparation before a meeting include:

A) Flexibility regarding the purpose because important issues may arise at the last minute that some team members want to discuss
B) A detailed agenda including subject, facilitator, time, and deliverables, sent in advance
C) Arranging for refreshments if the meeting will last longer than 90 minutes
D) Ensuring that you have enough material to deliver a presentation for the full duration of the meeting
E) All of the above.
F) A and B only
G) B and C only