Roleplay Scenario
Scenario Overview
You’re leading the charge on a new customer analytics platform—a big, complex project that spans multiple quarters. It involves data integration, UX design, and scalable infrastructure. The goal? Break it down into clear, doable phases so everyone knows what they're tackling and when.
Roles & Setup
Role A – Technical Lead (You)
You're steering the technical direction and need to guide the team through the project's phases.
Your goal: Break the project into manageable parts with clear milestones and ensure everyone is on the same page.
Role B – Project Manager
You’re all about keeping the timeline tight and resources well-used.
Your goal: Make sure the plan is realistic and aligns with business priorities without overloading the team.
Role C – Senior Engineer
You’re here to spot technical hurdles and dependencies, especially around data.
Your goal: Point out potential risks and ensure we can technically deliver what we promise.
Role D – Stakeholder (Optional)
You’re the voice of the business, needing to see how this project boosts customer engagement.
Your goal: Ensure the phased approach meets business needs and delivers value early and often.
Suggested Openers
Technical Lead:
- “We’ve got a big task with this analytics platform. Let’s break it down into pieces that deliver value consistently while keeping us on track.”
- “I’d like us to map out how we can structure this project to make sure we’re building effectively and iteratively.”
Project Manager:
- “I’m here to make sure our timeline and resources match our ambitions. Let’s talk through the phases and align them with our goals.”
- “Let’s ensure our phased approach doesn’t overload our team and stays in sync with business priorities.”
Senior Engineer:
- “I see some potential challenges with data integration. Let’s identify dependencies early so we can avoid hiccups later.”
- “We should discuss any technical hurdles that might impact our phased delivery, especially around data handling.”
Stakeholder:
- “I’m interested in how this project will improve our customer insights at each phase. What are the expected outcomes?”
- “How do these phases translate into real benefits for our customers and our business strategy?”
Sample Roleplay in Action
Technical Lead:
“Thanks for joining, everyone. We’re tasked with delivering the customer analytics platform. I suggest we break this into three phases: Phase 1 is about getting our data integration spot-on, Phase 2 focuses on building the core analytics features, and Phase 3 enhances user experience and scalability. Thoughts?”
Project Manager:
“That sounds like a solid plan. We need to ensure each phase has clear milestones, especially considering our resource constraints during peak periods.”
Senior Engineer:
“We definitely need to tackle data integration first. Ensuring data accuracy and real-time processing is crucial for Phase 1.”
Stakeholder:
“From a business standpoint, getting Phase 1 right will set us up for better customer insights. It’s important we show value quickly.”
Technical Lead:
“Great, let’s jot down this phased plan with specific deliverables for each stage. We’ll have regular check-ins to track progress and adjust as needed.”
Post-Scenario Tools
Curveball Mode (Optional)
Try throwing in one of these scenarios:
- A major technical issue crops up, requiring us to rethink the phase order.
- A stakeholder insists on squeezing in a new feature in the first phase.
- We hit a resource bottleneck, forcing a timeline rethink.
Reflection Checklist
As the Technical Lead:
- Did you effectively break down the project into clear phases?
- Did you ensure alignment on milestones and deliverables?
- Did you address both technical and business concerns?
As a Participant:
- Did you raise concerns and propose solutions constructively?
- Did you make sure your input aligned with project goals?
- Did you help foster a collaborative and focused discussion?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Packing too much into early phases
- Overlooking potential technical challenges and risks
- Not aligning phases with business priorities
- Failing to set clear milestones and deliverables
Pro Tip
Focus on delivering incremental value and keeping momentum. This builds trust with stakeholders and helps manage complexity over time.