PMI-ACP Practice Questions #60
Maria, a new developer, has recently joined the team. In her first week, she notices that several team members frequently go out for lunch together but do not invite her. Feeling excluded, Maria becomes hesitant to participate in team discussions, fearing her ideas and contributions may not be valued.
As the Agile Practitioner, how should you address this situation?
A. Privately ask Maria about her experience and encourage her to take the initiative to join the team’s social activities in the future.
B. Facilitate a team discussion about inclusivity, highlighting the importance of ensuring all team members feel welcome and encouraging everyone to invite new colleagues to social events.
C. Organize mandatory team-building activities to ensure equal interaction among all team members and prevent exclusion.
D. Avoid interfering in social dynamics, as these are personal choices and not directly related to team collaboration.
Analysis
The situation in this question highlights the importance of psychological safety and inclusivity in Agile teams. When a team member feels excluded from social interactions, it can lead to hesitation in contributing to discussions and reduced confidence in their ideas. Agile teams thrive on collaboration and open communication, and a sense of belonging is crucial for high-performing teams.
As an Agile Practitioner, the best approach should:
- Ensure inclusivity is an integral part of team culture, not just an individual responsibility.
- Address the team as a whole to promote awareness and behavioral changes.
- Encourage a welcoming environment where all members feel valued, without forcing interactions.
Analysis of Options:
A: Privately ask Maria about her experience and encourage her to take the initiative to join the team’s social activities in the future.
This approach partially addresses the problem but places the responsibility solely on Maria. While encouraging her to engage is beneficial, the root issue is the team’s exclusionary behavior, not Maria’s lack of initiative. A broader approach is needed to address team dynamics and inclusivity.
B: Facilitate a team discussion about inclusivity, highlighting the importance of ensuring all team members feel welcome and encouraging everyone to invite new colleagues to social events.
This is the best option as it directly addresses the core issue of inclusivity at a team level. By discussing the importance of welcoming all team members, the Agile Practitioner helps the team develop awareness and responsibility for creating a psychologically safe environment. Encouraging inclusivity without forcing it ensures a healthy and open team culture.
C: Organize mandatory team-building activities to ensure equal interaction among all team members and prevent exclusion.
While team-building activities are beneficial, forcing participation (mandatory) can backfire and make interactions feel unnatural. Inclusivity should develop organically through awareness and openness, not through forced activities. Option B is a better approach because it encourages voluntary change in behavior rather than imposing it.
D: Avoid interfering in social dynamics, as these are personal choices and not directly related to team collaboration.
This completely ignores the impact of exclusion on team collaboration. Social bonds play a key role in team dynamics, trust, and open communication. If team members feel excluded, their participation in work discussions may suffer, affecting overall team performance. Ignoring the issue is not an Agile approach, making this the weakest option.
Conclusion
The correct answer is Option B, as it directly addresses the problem by fostering awareness and inclusivity at the team level. By encouraging the team to create a welcoming culture, the Agile Practitioner ensures psychological safety, open collaboration, and strong team cohesion.
PMI – ACP Exam Content Outline Mapping
| Domain | Task |
| Mindset | Foster Psychological Safety |
Topics Covered:
- Ensure inclusivity and psychological safety for all team members, fostering a welcoming environment.
- Facilitate team discussions on the importance of inclusivity and encourage everyone to be mindful of making new team members feel valued.
- Address team dynamics and behaviors that might contribute to exclusion, promoting collective responsibility for creating a supportive and open team culture.
- Encourage open communication and participation, where all team members feel comfortable contributing without fear of exclusion or judgment.
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