The first step for a project manager taking over a troubled project is to understand the current project situation comprehensively. Meeting with the project team and stakeholders allows the project manager to identify the root causes of the issues, which is essential before any corrective actions can be planned. This approach aligns with best practices in project management, which emphasize the importance of stakeholder engagement and root cause analysis in resolving project conflicts and getting projects back on track123.
References: = This answer is informed by standard project management practices as outlined in resources like the PMBOKGuide and the Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA) reference materials, which recommend stakeholder engagement and root cause analysis as critical steps in managing project issues45678.