Roleplay Scenario
Scenario Overview
In a recent team meeting, a discussion about project deadlines got a bit heated between Alex and Jamie. The tension seemed to affect the whole group, and you want to address it to make sure everyone feels comfortable speaking up moving forward.
Your goal is to create a space where team members feel heard and guide the team back to working together smoothly.
Roles & Setup
Role A – Team Lead (You)
You're facilitating a follow-up chat.
Your goal: Address the tension, reinforce psychological safety, and keep the conversation open.
Role B – Team Member (Alex)
You were involved in the heated exchange and feel a bit defensive but are ready to resolve things.
Your goal: Share your perspective and be open to understanding Jamie's point of view.
Role C – Team Member (Jamie)
You were also involved in the heated exchange and feel misunderstood.
Your goal: Express your thoughts and work towards mutual understanding with Alex.
Suggested Openers
Team Lead:
- “Hey team, thanks for joining. I wanted us to have a quick chat about what happened yesterday and make sure everyone’s feeling okay.”
- “Appreciate you all being here. Let’s talk about yesterday’s meeting and how we can keep things positive moving forward.”
Alex:
- “I know things got a bit intense, and I want to figure out how we got there.”
- “I felt a bit attacked during the meeting, and I’d like to explain why I reacted the way I did.”
Jamie:
- “I didn’t mean for things to escalate, and I’d like to clear the air.”
- “I realize my words might have come off wrong, and I want to figure out a better way to communicate.”
Sample Roleplay in Action
Team Lead:
“Hey everyone, thanks for making time for this. Yesterday’s meeting got a bit tense, and I want us to sort it out so everyone feels good moving forward. Alex, Jamie, do you want to share what was going on for you?”
Alex:
“Yeah, I’m sorry for how things went. I felt like my concerns about the deadlines weren’t being considered, which made me defensive. It wasn’t my intention to direct my frustration at anyone.”
Jamie:
“Thanks for that, Alex. I was trying to explain why the deadline is important from a product perspective, but I didn’t communicate it well. I didn’t mean to dismiss what you were saying.”
Team Lead:
“Thanks for sharing, both of you. It’s important to understand each other’s viewpoints. How can we communicate better next time to prevent these situations?”
Alex:
“I think it could help to spend a bit more time discussing everyone’s concerns before things escalate. Maybe we could have regular check-ins?”
Jamie:
“I like that idea. Making sure everyone feels heard before we jump to conclusions would definitely help. I’m open to trying new approaches.”
Team Lead:
“Great ideas. Let’s make those regular check-ins happen and ensure everyone’s voice is heard. I’m here to support you both—and the whole team—on this.”
Alex:
“Sounds good. Thanks for setting this up.”
Jamie:
“Yeah, glad we talked it through. Ready to move forward.”
Post-Scenario Tools
Curveball Mode (Optional)
Introduce one of these scenarios partway through the roleplay to enhance realism:
- Another team member mentions feeling awkward during the exchange.
- One participant becomes uncommunicative and withdrawn.
- An urgent notification interrupts, testing focus and priority management.
Reflection Checklist
As the Team Lead:
- Did you create a supportive environment?
- Did you help without taking sides?
- Did you encourage constructive solutions and commitments?
As a Team Member:
- Did you express your feelings without escalating tension?
- Did you show openness to the other person’s perspective?
- Did you contribute to finding a constructive path forward?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring or downplaying the issue until it grows
- Focusing on blame instead of resolution
- Letting the conversation become confrontational
Pro Tip
Reinforcing psychological safety means addressing issues head-on with empathy and a focus on growth. Approach these conversations as opportunities to strengthen team dynamics and trust.