Question

A project team member turns in an assignment a day late, which is a surprise to the project manager. The activity was on the critical path, but a one-day delay is beneath the variance threshold. The team member is about to start another activity on the critical path. What should the project manager do?

Answer 1

The project manager should address the late submission delicately by understanding the team member's reasons and workload, then help them prioritize and redistribute tasks if necessary, while emphasizing the importance of meeting critical path deadlines.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a project team member submits an assignment late, especially one that's on the critical path, the project manager should first assess the impact on the overall project timeline. Although in this particular case the delay is within the variance threshold and might not necessitate immediate action, it's important for the project manager to communicate effectively with the team member to understand the reasons behind the delay and ensure that it does not become a recurring issue.

The project manager should also consider the team member's workload and provide support or redistribute tasks if necessary. It's crucial to balance maintaining the schedule with leading the team effectively. Encouraging the team member to prioritize the project in light of other work commitments, while being supportive of their circumstances, reflects both good management and an understanding of modern work environments where multitasking is common.

Finally, the manager should reinforce the importance of meeting deadlines, especially for activities on the critical path, while also fostering a work environment that values initiative and resourcefulness. If the team member is responsive and takes the necessary action to prioritize and meet deadlines, this can be an opportunity for growth and improved time management skills.