I’m consistently scoring 70% on my mock exams, but I keep getting stuck on situational questions where the prompt asks "What should the project manager do FIRST?" Usually, two options look like good PM practices. Is there a specific "PMI-way" of thinking that helps distinguish the "best" answer from a "good" answer?
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This is the most common struggle. The "PMI Mindset" follows a very specific hierarchy. First: Assess. Before you take any action (like firing someone or asking for a budget increase), you must analyze the situation and look at the data. Second: Review the Plan. Check the Project Management Plan or the Issue Log. Third: Communicate. Talk to the stakeholders or the team. If the question asks what to do FIRST, look for an answer that involves "Assessing the impact" or "Reviewing the document." Avoid "Escalating to the Sponsor" unless you have exhausted all other options—PMI wants to see that you can solve problems as a leader before asking for help.
That "Assess" rule is great, but what about the questions that involve "Servant Leadership" in Agile? Doesn't that usually favor "Facilitating a meeting" over "Reviewing a plan"?
Always look for the answer that mentions the "Issue Log" or "Change Request." If the problem has already happened, log it. If it’s a change to the scope, request it.
Simple but effective advice, Brian. Following the formal change control process is a non-negotiable part of the "Process" domain on the PMP.
Excellent catch, Steven. In an Agile context, the "Assess" rule still applies, but the action is different. You "assess" by asking the team for their input during a stand-up or retrospective. The "PMI-way" for Agile is to NEVER tell the team what to do; instead, you remove blockers and facilitate their decision-making. So, the "First" action is often to "Gather the team to discuss the issue" rather than looking at a static plan.