A project is behind schedule and over budget, creating a problem for the next deliverable. Stakeholders are very concerned after being informed. What should the project manager do to reduce stakeholder concerns?

The project manager should demonstrate the performance indexes and recommend corrective actions to stakeholders because this approach directly addresses their concerns with data and a plan. Performance indexes like CPI (Cost Performance Index) and SPI (Schedule Performance Index) provide objective measurements of project health. Presenting these, along with concrete corrective actions, shows transparency, accountability, and a proactive strategy to bring the project back on track. Scheduling a kick-off session is inappropriate for a project already in trouble; kick-offs are for new phases or projects. Sending communications for clarification might be part of the process but doesn't proactively address concerns with solutions. Speaking with the sponsor to have them explain the situation delegates the project manager's responsibility and might not be as effective in reassuring stakeholders as a direct, data-driven presentation from the project manager.