Roleplay Scenario
Scenario Overview
You’re kicking off a standup meeting with a newly formed or fully remote team. Some team members might not know each other well or might be new to standups. Your goal is to keep things relaxed, make sure everyone knows what they’re doing, and get everyone comfortable with the routine.
Roles & Setup
Role A – Standup Facilitator (You)
You're leading the standup.
Your goal: Help everyone feel at ease, understand the process, and get on the same page with their tasks. Use simple, engaging techniques to get people talking.
Role B – New Team Member
You’re new to the team and possibly the standup format.
Your goal: Figure out your role, share what you’re working on, and ask for help if you need it.
Role C – Remote Team Member
You’re working remotely and have been with the team for a while.
Your goal: Share updates clearly despite potential tech issues and help out the new folks.
Role D – Team Lead (Optional)
You oversee the team and are observing the standup.
Your goal: Support the team and help keep things moving smoothly.
Suggested Openers
Standup Facilitator:
- “Hey, everyone! Let’s quickly introduce ourselves since we’ve got some new folks. Then we’ll go over what’s on our plates today.”
- “Morning! Let’s chat about what you’re working on and if anything’s blocking you. Feel free to ask questions!”
New Team Member:
- “Hi, I’m [Name]. I’m new here, and today I’m diving into [Task]. Excited to get started!”
- “Still figuring out the ropes here, so any tips are welcome!”
Remote Team Member:
- “Hey team! Yesterday, I wrapped up [Task], and today I’m on [New Task]. Happy to help if anyone needs it.”
- “Got a bit of a snag with [Blocker]—any suggestions?”
Team Lead:
- “Great to see everyone. I’m here if you need anything. Let’s make sure we’re all set for today.”
Sample Roleplay in Action
Standup Facilitator:
“Hey folks, thanks for jumping on. Since we’ve got some new faces, let’s start with quick intros. After that, we’ll dive into what everyone’s working on and any blockers. Remember, it’s cool to ask for help!”
New Team Member:
“Hi, I’m Alex. Really excited to be here! Today, I’m setting up my dev environment and starting on [Task]. Any pointers would be awesome!”
Remote Team Member:
“Hey, it’s Jamie. I finished the database migration yesterday, and today I’m on the API integration. Could use some help with authentication issues.”
Team Lead:
“Welcome, Alex! Jamie, feel free to reach out if you need any help with those auth issues.”
Standup Facilitator:
“Thanks, everyone! Looks like we’ve got a good day ahead. Alex, welcome again—don’t hesitate to reach out. Jamie, let’s catch up after the standup to chat about your blocker. Any other issues or updates?”
New Team Member:
“Thanks, everyone—great to meet you all!”
Remote Team Member:
“I’ll ping you after the call, thanks!”
Standup Facilitator:
“Awesome! I’ll send a quick summary of what we talked about. Have a great day, team!”
Post-Scenario Tools
Curveball Mode (Optional)
Introduce one of these challenges mid-roleplay to test adaptability:
- A team member experiences technical difficulties and drops off the call.
- Someone is confused about their task or the standup format.
- The meeting runs long due to over-discussion.
Reflection Checklist
As the Facilitator:
- Did you make everyone feel welcome and included?
- Did you clarify the standup process and goals?
- Did you ensure clear communication despite remote challenges?
- Did you encourage participation from all team members?
As a Participant:
- Did you share your updates clearly and concisely?
- Did you help foster an inclusive environment?
- Did you feel comfortable asking questions or seeking help?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Letting the meeting drift into problem-solving rather than updates.
- Excluding remote team members from the conversation.
- Failing to establish clear next steps or follow-ups.
Pro Tip
A successful standup focuses on building a friendly, open environment where everyone feels heard and knows what to do. Use simple, direct language to keep things moving, and make sure everyone leaves the meeting clear on their tasks for the day.