Roleplay Scenario
Scenario Overview
Your peer recently delivered work that didn’t fully meet the project standards or align with what the client expected. You need to have a straightforward conversation with them about what went wrong and how things can be improved. The goal is to keep the feedback helpful and constructive, ensuring that your working relationship remains strong.
Roles & Setup
Role A – Feedback Giver (You)
You noticed your peer’s recent work didn’t meet expectations.
Your goal: Provide constructive feedback that encourages improvement without demotivating your peer.
Role B – Peer
You submitted work that didn’t meet the standards. You’re open to feedback but might not be fully aware of all the issues.
Your goal: Understand what went wrong and find ways to improve, keeping an open mind.
Suggested Openers
Feedback Giver:
- “Hey, can we chat about the recent project? I think there are a few areas we could tweak to make it even better next time.”
- “Got a minute to talk about the last task? I have some thoughts on how we can improve things going forward.”
Peer:
- “Sure, I’d love to hear your thoughts. I’m all ears for any feedback.”
- “Of course, let’s go over it. I’m keen to know where I can do better.”
Sample Roleplay in Action
Feedback Giver:
“Hey, thanks for taking the time to chat. I wanted to discuss the recent project. Overall, the idea was solid, but there were a few parts, like the UI details, that didn’t quite hit the mark. This caused some extra work for the team.”
Peer:
“Thanks for letting me know. I thought everything was on track, but I’d like to understand what didn’t work.”
Feedback Giver:
“No worries. It looked like some UI elements didn’t match our design standards, which led to inconsistencies. Maybe next time, we could have a mid-project check-in to catch these early. Also, using the design guide more closely might help with consistency.”
Peer:
“That makes sense. I’ll ensure to plan for those check-ins and go through the design guide thoroughly next time. I appreciate the feedback.”
Feedback Giver:
“Great! I’m sure you’ll nail it next time. Let’s keep communicating so we can tackle any issues together.”
Peer:
“Thanks for the feedback. I value your support and will definitely make these changes going forward.”
Post-Scenario Tools
Curveball Mode (Optional)
Throw in one of these mid-roleplay to make it more interesting:
- The peer becomes defensive or dismissive
- You discover you didn’t have the full context of why the work missed the mark
- Another project deadline is looming, adding pressure
Reflection Checklist
As the Feedback Giver:
- Did you focus on specific behaviors or outcomes rather than personal traits?
- Did you offer actionable suggestions for improvement?
- Did you maintain a positive and supportive tone?
As the Peer:
- Did you remain open to the feedback?
- Did you ask clarifying questions to fully understand the feedback?
- Did you acknowledge the feedback and commit to specific actions?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing too much on the negatives without recognizing any positives
- Making the conversation feel accusatory or personal
- Failing to provide clear next steps or support
Pro Tip
Approach feedback as a partnership in improvement, focusing on shared goals and future success rather than past mistakes. Constructive feedback is most effective when it feels supportive and collaborative.