Introduction: What You’ll Learn
This simulation walks you through mentoring a developer eager to move into a senior role. You’ll focus on enhancing their skills, helping them take on more responsibilities, and guiding them to adopt the mindset needed for senior positions.
You’ll practice:
- Spotting areas for growth
- Encouraging ownership and leadership
- Giving constructive feedback and support
- Setting realistic and actionable goals
Step-by-Step Simulation
Scene 1: Initial Discussion
Mentor: "Hey Jamie, I’m really glad you’re interested in stepping up to a senior role. Let’s chat about what you’re looking to achieve and any specific areas you’d like to work on."
Jamie: "Thanks! I’m excited about leading projects and mentoring others. I think I could improve my problem-solving skills and how I communicate with stakeholders."
Mentor: "Those are great focuses. Leading projects will definitely call for strong problem-solving and communication skills. Do you have any particular projects in mind that you’d love to lead?"
Scene 2: Setting Goals
Jamie: "I’d like to start by taking on a small project from start to finish, maybe something in our current sprint that could use more oversight."
Mentor: "Sounds like a solid plan. Let’s find a project you can take charge of, like the upcoming feature implementation. Also, how about leading a few team meetings or tech discussions? It’ll give you a chance to practice leadership and communication."
Jamie: "That sounds good. I’d also like to get some feedback on my current skills to know where I stand."
Mentor: "Great idea. We can arrange a 360-degree feedback session with folks you’ve been working with. After that, we can review the feedback together and pinpoint areas for growth."
Scene 3: Providing Feedback and Encouragement
Mentor: "Let’s take a look at the feedback we gathered. You’re already showing strong technical skills, and there are a few suggestions on improving clarity during communications. How do you feel about these insights?"
Jamie: "Overall, I feel good. I think being clearer and more concise will help in meetings."
Mentor: "Absolutely. One way to structure your updates is by focusing on the ‘what, why, and how’ — it can really help keep things clear. Want to give this a try in our next catch-up?"
Jamie: "Sure, that sounds helpful. Thanks for the tip!"
Scene 4: Encouraging Ownership and Leadership
Mentor: "As you start taking on more responsibilities, remember that moving into a senior role is about your mindset too. What do you think might be your biggest challenge in this transition?"
Jamie: "Probably balancing hands-on work with overseeing everything. I’m used to diving deep into the details."
Mentor: "Balancing those aspects is key. Consider delegating smaller tasks to others and focus on guiding the overall direction. How do you feel about mentoring a junior developer to help with this balance? You can start by reviewing their code and providing feedback."
Jamie: "I’d love that! It’s a great way to step back and see the bigger picture."
Scene 5: Wrapping Up
Mentor: "To recap, you’re going to lead a project, practice communication techniques, and start mentoring a junior developer. Let’s set a check-in for a month from now to see how things are going."
Jamie: "Thanks for all your guidance. I’m looking forward to the challenge!"
Mentor: "You’re doing great, Jamie. Keep pushing yourself, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need support."
Mini Roleplay Challenges
Challenge 1: Jamie feels overwhelmed by new responsibilities.
- Best Response: “Let’s break down your tasks and prioritize. You’re doing great, and it’s okay to adjust as you go. We can also explore time management techniques.”
Challenge 2: Jamie struggles with a difficult stakeholder meeting.
- Best Response: “Reflect on what went well and what didn’t. We can roleplay some scenarios to build confidence, focusing on active listening and key message delivery.”
Challenge 3: Jamie is unsure about mentoring a junior developer.
- Best Response: “Start with small, manageable sessions. You’ll find that teaching others reinforces your own understanding and builds leadership skills.”
Optional Curveball Mode
Add one of these scenarios during practice:
- Jamie misses a self-imposed deadline.
- A project Jamie is leading encounters unexpected challenges.
- Jamie receives conflicting feedback from peers.
Practice handling each one to maintain Jamie’s confidence and growth trajectory.
Reflection Checklist
Mentorship Approach
- Did I provide clear and actionable feedback?
- Did I create a supportive and encouraging environment?
- Did I help Jamie set realistic and achievable goals?
Growth and Development
- Did I guide Jamie towards ownership and leadership?
- Did I address Jamie’s challenges with practical solutions?
- Did I check in on Jamie’s progress and provide ongoing support?
Communication
- Was I clear and concise in my guidance?
- Did I encourage open dialogue and active listening?
- Did I model effective communication techniques?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overloading Jamie with too many tasks without support
- Failing to follow up on Jamie’s progress and challenges
- Providing vague feedback without examples or guidance
- Not encouraging Jamie to seek feedback and continuous improvement