Checking In on a Quiet, Overwhelmed Junior Engineer
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Checking In on a Quiet, Overwhelmed Junior Engineer
You’re having a regular 1:1 but want to gently surface concern about Sofia’s energy and engagement.
Your Role
Manager
Goal: Create a safe space to check in without pressuring for solutions
Character Profile
Sofia Nguyen, Mid-20s (Female)
Sofia is early in her career and has been working hard, but recently she’s been quiet in meetings, slow on tasks, and disconnected from the team. You suspect early signs of burnout or disengagement.
Checking In on a Mid-Level Engineer Showing Signs of Burnout
You're having a 1:1 after noticing this pattern over the past two sprints. You want to be clear you're noticing something while still being empathetic.
Your Role
Manager
Goal: Start a supportive but direct check-in to explore whether burnout or something else is happening
Character Profile
Dylan Romero, Early 30s (Male)
Dylan has been a consistent performer for the past year, but recently he's been missing meetings, delivering late, and sounding disengaged. He hasn’t said anything directly, but you’re seeing the signs.
Addressing Burnout in a High-Performing Senior Engineer
You’ve seen increasing emotional volatility and signs of disengagement. This isn’t just a check-in — it’s a critical moment to intervene before Neha burns out or quits.
Your Role
Manager
Goal: Create space for a difficult but honest conversation about capacity, burnout, and boundaries
Character Profile
Neha Kapoor, Late 30s (Female)
Neha is a high-performing, long-tenured engineer who’s taken on major delivery work and mentoring. Lately, she’s become irritable, withdrawn, and showing signs of burnout — though she hasn’t admitted anything’s wrong.