Roleplay Scenario
Scenario Overview
A stakeholder has requested a quick fix to an issue that's significantly impacting users. However, this quick fix would introduce considerable technical debt, leading to long-term maintenance headaches. You need to explain the risks and propose a better solution, all while keeping the relationship positive and productive.
Roles & Setup
Role A – Engineer (You)
You’re aware that the quick fix could cause long-term issues, and you want to keep the codebase healthy.
Your goal: Advocate for a smarter approach without alienating the stakeholder or seeming uncooperative.
Role B – Stakeholder
You've requested a quick fix to a pressing issue affecting user experience. You need the problem solved quickly but are open to understanding the technical side.
Your goal: Get the issue resolved fast while considering the engineer’s input for a sustainable solution.
Suggested Openers
Engineer:
- “Thanks for meeting. I have some concerns about the quick fix and wanted to explore a more sustainable approach.”
- “I know this issue is urgent, but I think we should consider the long-term impact on our system.”
Stakeholder:
- “I appreciate you bringing this up. What are the risks if we go ahead with the quick fix?”
- “I’m open to other suggestions as long as we can address the immediate user concerns effectively.”
Sample Roleplay in Action
Engineer:
“Thanks for meeting. I wanted to discuss the quick fix you mentioned. While it could solve the immediate issue, it might add technical debt that could slow us down in future development and lead to higher maintenance costs.”
Stakeholder:
“I get that we want to keep the codebase clean, but this is really affecting users right now. What problems could we face if we go with the quick fix?”
Engineer:
“Doing a quick fix might lead to code that’s hard to maintain or extend. It could also complicate future feature development because parts of the code might need to be rewritten, which could delay other projects.”
Stakeholder:
“Got it. What can we do to address the user concerns without compromising our codebase?”
Engineer:
“We could implement a temporary workaround that minimizes disruption to our current code. Meanwhile, we can prioritize a more robust solution in the next sprint. This way, we ensure user satisfaction and maintain system integrity.”
Stakeholder:
“That sounds like a solid plan. Let’s go with the workaround for now, and I’ll communicate our plan for a full fix in the next sprint. Can you provide a timeline and steps for the workaround?”
Engineer:
“Absolutely, I’ll draft a proposal outlining the workaround and the timeline for the permanent solution. I’ll keep you updated on our progress, and we can adjust if needed.”
Stakeholder:
“Great, I appreciate your proactive approach to balancing short-term needs with long-term health. Let’s keep this communication going.”
Post-Scenario Tools
Curveball Mode (Optional)
Introduce one of these scenarios to add depth and complexity:
- Stakeholder insists on the quick fix due to external pressures from clients.
- The quick fix introduces unexpected performance issues during testing.
- Another team raises concerns about the workaround’s impact on their project.
Reflection Checklist
As the Engineer:
- Did you clearly explain the risks of technical debt?
- Did you propose a feasible and sustainable alternative?
- Did you maintain a collaborative and solution-focused tone?
As the Stakeholder:
- Did you stay open to understanding the technical concerns?
- Did you convey urgency without dismissing the engineer's input?
- Did you help align on a mutually acceptable path forward?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Dismissing the stakeholder's urgency without offering solutions.
- Overwhelming the stakeholder with technical jargon instead of focusing on impacts.
- Agreeing to the quick fix without adequately exploring sustainable alternatives.
Pro Tip
Frame these discussions as a joint effort to solve both immediate and long-term challenges. Emphasize how maintaining technical health supports business goals and enhances user experience sustainably.