Question

Midway through a high-pressure release, a project manager notices several team members working long hours, missing informal check-ins, and showing signs of exhaustion. Velocity is holding steady for now, but the quality of code reviews has started to slip and two team members privately mentioned feeling overwhelmed. What should the project manager do FIRST to support team performance?

Accepted Answer

Meet with the team to openly discuss workload, then work with them to rebalance commitments and adjust the schedule or scope with stakeholders

Answer

Add a temporary contractor to the team to absorb the extra work and maintain the current pace until the release ships

Answer

Remind the team that the release deadline is fixed and encourage them to push through the final stretch

Answer

Continue monitoring velocity metrics and take action only if the numbers begin to decline