Stakeholder Engagement

Correct Answer: Schedule a focused meeting to discuss their current perceptions and expectations regarding the project.

The best approach when a key stakeholder becomes less responsive is to directly engage them in a conversation to understand their concerns and expectations. This creates an opportunity for clarity and realignment. Increasing transparency might not address the root cause of their disengagement, and delegating the re-engagement effort could be seen as avoiding direct responsibility. Adjusting the communication plan without initial direct feedback from the stakeholder could lead to assumptions rather than solutions.

Correct Answer: Organize a session to transparently show how decisions are made and highlight how input from all stakeholders is considered.

The correct answer focuses on inclusive practices and transparency without creating barriers or preferential channels. It ensures that the stakeholder feels heard and valued irrespective of their influence level. The wrong answers either further alienate the stakeholder, create hierarchical communication barriers, or imply a misalignment with Agile and Scrum values of openness and respect.

Correct Answer: Schedule a one-on-one meeting to understand their concerns and realign their expectations

The most effective approach to address a key stakeholder becoming increasingly disengaged and unresponsive is to schedule a one-on-one meeting to understand their concerns and realign their expectations. This approach is proactive and directly addresses the issue at its source.

Reasons why this is the best approach:
1. It shows initiative and concern for the stakeholder's perspective.
2. It allows for open communication and the opportunity to identify underlying issues.
3. It demonstrates the project manager's commitment to stakeholder engagement.
4. It provides an opportunity to realign expectations and get the project back on track.

Why other options are less effective:
Escalating to senior management should be a last resort after attempting direct communication.

Continuing with the project as planned is risky and may lead to further complications or project failure.

Increasing the frequency of updates to all stakeholders does not address the specific issue with the disengaged stakeholder and may not be effective in re-engaging them.

In project management, maintaining strong stakeholder relationships is crucial for project success. Addressing issues promptly and directly with the concerned parties is often the most effective approach.