PMI-ACP Practice Questions #42
How does an Agile project manager improve the productivity of the team?
A. By creating detailed plans and enforcing strict adherence to them throughout the project lifecycle.
B. By assigning tasks explicitly and closely monitoring individual performance for accountability.
C. By fostering collaboration, removing impediments, and empowering the team to deliver value effectively and adaptively.
D. By avoiding involvement in productivity improvement, as it is solely the team’s responsibility in Agile.
Analysis
The question evaluates how an Agile project manager can enhance team productivity while adhering to Agile principles. Unlike traditional project managers, Agile leaders do not dictate tasks or enforce rigid planning. Instead, they foster collaboration, remove impediments, and empower teams to self-organize and deliver value efficiently. The correct option should reflect an Agile mindset that prioritizes team autonomy, adaptability, and continuous improvement.
Analysis of Options
A: By creating detailed plans and enforcing strict adherence to them throughout the project lifecycle.
This option contradicts Agile principles. Agile does not rely on rigid, upfront plans but embraces adaptive planning and progressive elaboration. Instead of enforcing strict adherence to a plan, Agile project managers facilitate iterative adjustments based on continuous feedback.
B: By assigning tasks explicitly and closely monitoring individual performance for accountability.
This option follows a command-and-control approach, which is contrary to Agile values. In Agile, teams are self-organizing and decide how to complete work collaboratively. Agile leaders focus on creating an environment where teams can take ownership rather than micromanaging tasks or focusing on individual accountability over team performance.
C: By fostering collaboration, removing impediments, and empowering the team to deliver value effectively and adaptively.
This is the correct answer. Agile project managers act as servant leaders, supporting rather than directing the team. They facilitate collaboration, remove blockers, and empower the team to work efficiently while adapting to changes. This aligns with Agile’s focus on continuous value delivery and team ownership.
D: By avoiding involvement in productivity improvement, as it is solely the team’s responsibility in Agile.
This is incorrect because Agile project managers play a crucial role in enabling productivity. While the team is self-organizing, the Agile leader actively supports them by facilitating a productive environment, addressing challenges, and guiding the team toward value-driven delivery. Agile leadership is about enabling, not controlling or completely stepping back.
Conclusion
The correct answer is Option C, as it accurately represents the servant leadership role of an Agile project manager—one that prioritizes collaboration, removes obstacles, and empowers teams to work adaptively and effectively.
PMI – ACP Exam Content Outline Mapping
| Domain | Task |
| Mindset | Embrace Agile Mindset |
Topics Covered:
- Servant Leadership: Agile project managers support teams by removing impediments rather than enforcing control.
- Fostering Collaboration: Encouraging teamwork and shared responsibility to enhance productivity.
- Empowering Teams: Allowing self-organization instead of micromanaging individual performance.
- Continuous Improvement: Facilitating an adaptive work environment rather than rigid planning.
- Removing Impediments: Proactively identifying and addressing blockers to maintain workflow efficiency.
- Value-Driven Delivery: Ensuring teams focus on delivering business value in an iterative manner.
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