An experienced project manager is leading a multi-million dollar agile project and communicated the ground rules to the team. After 12 iterations, some team members are not following the ground rules. What should the project manager do first to ensure adherence?

The project manager should first schedule a meeting with the team to reinforce the ground rules. This is a collaborative and proactive approach consistent with agile principles, aiming to understand the reasons for non-adherence and re-establish shared understanding and commitment. It provides an opportunity for open discussion and problem-solving within the team. Asking the functional manager to replace team members, notifying the sponsor for disciplinary action, or contacting HR for written warnings are all escalatory and punitive actions. These steps are generally considered last resorts after attempts at direct communication and resolution with the team have failed. They can damage team morale and trust, which is detrimental to project success in an agile environment.