Communication, Leadership, and Team Development
What the exam tests
This domain tests communication planning, channel complexity, leadership style, team development stages, and constructive conflict handling.
Core rules
- Communication channels = n(n−1)/2, where n includes the project manager and all stakeholders. Interactive communication is richest; push is efficient; pull suits large repositories.
- The communication plan defines who needs what, when, in what format, and through which channel, plus escalation and confidentiality rules.
- Tuckman stages are forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning. Leaders adapt: direct early, coach through conflict, delegate when performing.
- RACI assigns responsibility: one accountable owner per activity, responsible doers, consulted experts, and informed recipients. Avoid more than one accountable.
- Conflict is normal. Collaborate/problem-solve when both task and relationship matter; force for safety or emergencies; compromise when both sides have legitimate claims; avoid only for trivial issues.
Worked example
A project has the PM plus seven stakeholders. Channels = 8×7/2 = 28. Adding one stakeholder gives 9×8/2=36, an increase of 8 channels-not 1. Reasoning: each new stakeholder connects to every existing member, so communication complexity grows faster than headcount; the plan must specify which channels are managed.
Traps
- Counting only outward messages, not two-way channels.
- Assuming conflict signals a failing team.
- Assigning two accountable owners to one deliverable.
- Using a single broadcast channel for sensitive or complex decisions.