Roleplay Scenario
Scenario Overview
You’re having a one-on-one with a team member who’s eager to grow but isn’t sure how to frame their goals or figure out their next steps. Your task is to guide a conversation that helps them clarify their career ambitions and map out actionable steps to achieve them.
Roles & Setup
Role A – Mentor/Manager (You)
You’re leading the one-on-one and want to help your team member define their growth path.
Your goal: Ask open-ended questions, listen actively, and help them outline a plan.
Role B – Team Member
You’re eager to advance in your role but uncertain about how to articulate your goals or the steps needed to achieve them.
Your goal: Gain clarity on your career aspirations and identify practical steps to reach them.
Suggested Openers
Mentor/Manager:
- “I’m really glad we’re taking the time to talk about your growth. What’s been on your mind regarding your career?”
- “I’d love to hear more about where you see yourself headed and how I can help you get there.”
Team Member:
- “I’ve been thinking about my career path but feel a bit stuck on where to start.”
- “I’m eager to grow but not sure what my next steps should be.”
Sample Roleplay in Action
Mentor/Manager:
“I’m really glad we’re having this chat about your growth. What’s been on your mind regarding your career path?”
Team Member:
“I’ve been thinking about my career path but feel a bit stuck on where to start. I know I want to grow, but I’m not sure in what direction.”
Mentor/Manager:
“That’s totally normal. It’s great that you’re thinking about this. Are there specific areas or skills you’re interested in exploring?”
Team Member:
“I’m really interested in moving towards a leadership role eventually, but I feel like I need to develop more technical depth first.”
Mentor/Manager:
“Leadership is a fantastic goal. Building technical skills is definitely a solid step. Have you thought about which technical areas you’d like to focus on?”
Team Member:
“I’m not entirely sure, but I’ve enjoyed working on our recent cloud projects. I think deepening my knowledge there could be beneficial.”
Mentor/Manager:
“That’s a great start. How about setting a goal to complete a certification like AWS Solutions Architect or getting involved in a project where you can lead a small team? We can also look for upcoming projects where you can apply these skills.”
Team Member:
“That sounds like a plan. I’d appreciate any recommendations on certifications or courses. Also, I’d love to take on more responsibility, even if it’s just leading a small team.”
Mentor/Manager:
“Absolutely, I’ll send over some resources and keep an eye out for projects where you can step up as a lead. Let’s set a follow-up meeting in a month to review your progress and adjust the plan as needed.”
Team Member:
“Thank you, this helps a lot. I’m excited to start working towards these goals.”
Mentor/Manager:
“Great to hear! Let’s make sure we follow up on these action items in our next one-on-one, and feel free to reach out if you need anything in the meantime.”
Post-Scenario Tools
Curveball Mode (Optional)
Throw in one of these mid-roleplay to make it more interesting:
- The team member expresses uncertainty about their chosen path halfway through.
- A new opportunity within the company arises during the conversation.
- The team member is hesitant to commit to a specific goal.
Reflection Checklist
As the Mentor/Manager:
- Did you listen actively and ask open-ended questions?
- Did you help the team member articulate specific goals?
- Did you propose actionable steps without dictating the path?
As the Team Member:
- Did you express your aspirations clearly?
- Did you engage with the suggestions and propose your own ideas?
- Did you leave with a clearer understanding of your growth path?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Steering the conversation towards what you think is best without input
- Focusing too much on immediate tasks rather than long-term growth
- Leaving the conversation without clear next steps
Pro Tip
Approach the conversation with curiosity and openness. Encourage the team member to explore their interests and strengths, and help them find alignment between personal aspirations and team goals.