Question

During a kickoff, the sponsor commits the team to a delivery date in front of senior executives without first consulting the project manager. The PM's capacity analysis shows the committed date is unachievable with the current team and scope. The sponsor is a strong personality who values decisiveness. What should the PM do FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Meet privately with the sponsor to share the capacity data and negotiate a realistic agreement on scope, resources, or timeline

Answer

Accept the date publicly to preserve the sponsor's credibility, then quietly add unpaid overtime to try to meet it

Answer

Immediately escalate to the executives present that the committed date is not feasible

Answer

Document the unrealistic commitment in the risk register and proceed as directed by the sponsor