A project manager is leading a hybrid project with a distributed team. During a virtual sprint retrospective, two senior developers begin arguing about the architectural approach for the next release. One insists on a refactor to reduce technical debt, while the other argues for a quick patch to meet the deadline. The argument escalates, and other team members disengage. What should the project manager do FIRST?

Answer options:

Intervene immediately and make a decision based on the project schedule constraints to end the conflict.

Remind the team of the ground rules regarding respectful communication and facilitate a collaborative session to evaluate both options.

End the meeting early and schedule separate one-on-one meetings with each developer to hear their grievances.

Report the behavioral issue to the functional managers of the developers for disciplinary action.

How to approach this question

Identify the conflict stage and apply the servant leadership principle of facilitation.

Full Answer

B.Remind the team of the ground rules regarding respectful communication and facilitate a collaborative session to evaluate both options.✓ Correct

In a hybrid/agile environment, the PM acts as a servant leader. Re-establishing ground rules addresses the 'how' of the interaction, while facilitating a technical discussion addresses the 'what'.

Common mistakes

Choosing to dictate the solution (A) to save time, which violates agile principles.

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