Roleplay Scenario
Scenario Overview
You made a decision last week that seemed solid, but new info has surfaced that suggests a different route might be better. You need to explain this change to your team without losing their trust or confidence in your decision-making.
Roles & Setup
Role A – Team Lead (You)
You decided on a specific plan for a project.
Your goal: Explain why you're changing the plan and keep the team on board.
Role B – Team Member
You've been working hard based on the original plan.
Your goal: Understand why things are changing and figure out how to adjust.
Suggested Openers
Team Lead:
- “I’d like to chat about our project approach. We’ve got some new info that might change things a bit.”
- “I’ve received some important feedback that could affect our strategy. Can we look at it together?”
Team Member:
- “Sure, what’s changed and how does it affect us?”
- “Okay, what’s the new info, and how should we adjust?”
Sample Roleplay in Action
Team Lead:
“Hey everyone, thanks for meeting on short notice. I’ve been looking at some recent feedback from our beta tests, and it looks like we might need to tweak our plan for [Project]. Let’s talk about what’s changed and how we can adjust.”
Team Member:
“Alright, I’ve already put a lot of time into the original plan. What’s driving this change?”
Team Lead:
“I get it, and I really appreciate all the hard work. The feedback pointed out a few areas where our solution might not hit the mark. I think if we adjust now, we can avoid bigger issues later.”
Team Member:
“That makes sense. So what’s the new plan, and what changes do we need to make?”
Team Lead:
“We’re thinking about bringing in more user feedback loops earlier. I’ve got some initial ideas on how we can shift gears without losing what we’ve done already, and I’d love your thoughts.”
Team Member:
“Sounds good. I’ll check out the proposed changes and see how we can work them in smoothly.”
Team Lead:
“Great, let’s touch base after you’ve had a look. We’ll make sure the transition is as smooth as possible and make the most of what we’ve achieved so far.”
Post-Scenario Tools
Curveball Mode (Optional)
Try these challenges during the roleplay to see how you handle them:
- A team member is resistant and questions the rationale behind the change.
- You discover new information midway that complicates the decision.
- A deadline is moved up, adding pressure to the transition.
Reflection Checklist
As the Team Lead:
- Did you explain the change clearly and honestly?
- Did you acknowledge the team’s efforts and concerns?
- Did you offer a path forward that included the team’s input?
As the Team Member:
- Did you listen openly to the reasons for the change?
- Did you express your concerns constructively?
- Did you look for ways to adapt and help with the new plan?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Being vague about why things are changing
- Not recognizing the impact on team morale and workload
- Not providing a clear, actionable plan moving forward
Pro Tip
See the change as a chance to improve and work together. Highlight learning and adaptability, which are crucial for the team’s growth and resilience.