A critical milestone was missed because a team member did not finish their tasks, leading to a heated exchange during an end-user demonstration. What should the project manager do next?

The project manager should first discuss the issue with the team member privately. This approach allows for a direct conversation to understand the root cause of the missed tasks without shaming or alienating the team member. It fosters a supportive environment and gives the team member an opportunity to explain their perspective. Escalating to a functional manager or reviewing HR policies immediately is premature and can damage team morale and trust. Asking for an explanation in a team meeting is inappropriate as it publicly shames the individual and can lead to defensiveness rather than constructive problem-solving.