Roleplay Scenario
Scenario Overview
You're part of a remote team spread across different time zones. After wrapping up a project, you’ve noticed some areas in your colleague’s work that could use improvement. Giving feedback remotely or asynchronously requires a thoughtful approach to ensure it's constructive and well-received.
Your goal is to provide feedback that is clear, supportive, and actionable, while also being receptive to feedback on your own work.
Roles & Setup
Role A – Feedback Giver (You)
You've noticed a few areas for improvement in your colleague’s recent project deliverables.
Your goal: Deliver feedback constructively, ensure it’s understood, and invite feedback on your own work.
Role B – Feedback Receiver
You’re receiving feedback on your recent work.
Your goal: Listen openly, ask clarifying questions, and reflect on the feedback.
Suggested Openers
Feedback Giver:
- “Hey [Colleague], I had a chance to go through the project, and I think there are a few things we could tweak for next time. How do you prefer to go over feedback—quick call or an email?”
- “I’ve been reviewing our recent project and have some feedback that might help us improve. Would you prefer to chat over video or should I send an email?”
Feedback Receiver:
- “Thanks for reviewing my work. I’m open to feedback. A call works for me, or you can send it over in an email if that’s easier.”
- “I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let’s do a call so we can go over it in real time.”
Sample Roleplay in Action
Feedback Giver:
“Hi [Colleague], I wanted to talk about some things I noticed in the project. There are a few areas, like [Specific Issue], that might benefit from [Suggested Change]. Do you want to discuss this over a call or should I send you a quick email?”
Feedback Receiver:
“Thanks for reaching out. A call sounds good so we can discuss it more directly. I’m happy to get your feedback and see how I can improve.”
Feedback Giver:
“Great, let’s set up a time. I’ll jot down some points to make sure we cover everything. And if you have any feedback for me on how I handled the project, I’d love to hear it too.”
Feedback Receiver:
“I appreciate that, and I’ll definitely think about it. Looking forward to our chat.”
Feedback Giver:
“Perfect, I’ll send over a calendar invite so we can connect.”
Post-Scenario Tools
Curveball Mode (Optional)
Introduce these twists to see how participants adapt:
- Feedback Receiver reacts defensively or misunderstands the feedback
- Feedback Giver struggles with tone in written communication
- Feedback reveals a larger issue with team processes
Reflection Checklist
As the Feedback Giver:
- Did you provide clear and specific feedback?
- Did you choose the right medium for your message?
- Did you invite feedback on your own work?
As the Feedback Receiver:
- Did you listen actively and ask clarifying questions?
- Did you avoid being defensive?
- Did you express appreciation for the feedback?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Delivering feedback that’s vague or not actionable
- Ignoring the preferred communication style of the recipient
- Failing to invite or consider feedback on your own work
Pro Tip
When communicating feedback asynchronously, clarity and tone are key. Be specific about what can improve and why, and always invite dialogue to ensure understanding and collaboration.