Introduction: What You’ll Learn
When a new teammate or intern joins the team, standups are a powerful way to model communication norms and build inclusion. But they can also slow down or feel awkward if not handled well. This simulation helps you strike a balance.
You’ll practice:
- Welcoming a new teammate with context
- Modeling the format without over-explaining
- Checking in gently without putting pressure
- Reinforcing team safety and support
Step-by-Step Simulation
Scene 1: Opening the Standup
Facilitator: "Morning, everyone. Before we start, quick welcome to Jamie — our new intern! We’re glad to have you with us. No pressure at all to speak up on day one — feel free to just observe today and jump in when ready."
"Let’s do our usual round — yesterday, today, blockers. I’ll go first."
Facilitator (as a developer): "Yesterday I finished reviewing the feature flag rollout. Today I’m cleaning up unused flags and writing some test coverage. No blockers."
Facilitator: "Thanks. Sara, you’re up."
Scene 2: Teammate Updates with Newcomer Present
Sara: "I’m wrapping up the notifications work. Had some confusion about edge cases yesterday, but it’s clearing up. Should be done today. No blockers."
Facilitator: "Nice — thanks. Alex?"
Alex: "Bug triage yesterday, mostly mobile UI stuff. Working with Priya today to finish layout tests."
Facilitator: "Great — Priya?"
Priya: "Same — pairing with Alex today. Also planning to help Jamie get their local environment running."
Facilitator: "Awesome, thanks for taking the lead there. Leo?"
Leo: "Just cleanup work. Might pick up a backlog ticket later. All good here."
Facilitator: "Thanks. Jamie, no pressure — but if you want to say hi or ask anything, feel free."
Jamie: "Hi everyone — excited to be here. Still setting things up, but hoping to shadow a bit today."
Facilitator: "Perfect — glad to have you. Let us know if anything feels unclear or if you want help pairing. Feel free to DM or drop any questions in Slack too — nothing is too small."
Scene 3: Wrapping Up and Recap
Facilitator: "Recap: Sara’s finishing notifications, Alex and Priya are pairing, and Leo’s on cleanup. Jamie’s onboarding today — really appreciate how everyone’s making room and supporting the ramp-up. Let’s check in tomorrow and keep the flow going."
Mini Roleplay Challenges
Challenge 1: Jamie looks unsure about whether to speak.
- Best Response: “Totally fine to just listen in for now — no pressure at all.”
Challenge 2: A teammate uses heavy jargon.
- Best Response: “Let’s clarify that one just so Jamie’s not lost on day one.”
Challenge 3: No one acknowledges Jamie.
- Best Response: “Let’s pause for a quick intro — Jamie just joined us this week!”
Optional Curveball Mode
Try these twists:
- Jamie joins late and misses the format.
- A teammate speaks too fast or unclearly.
- Jamie asks a basic question during updates.
Can you keep the tone warm without slowing the team?
Reflection Checklist
Standup Flow
- Did I introduce the new teammate clearly?
- Did I keep the meeting on pace?
- Did I make space for questions or uncertainty?
Communication
- Did I clarify confusing language?
- Did I affirm pairing or mentorship offers?
- Did I model an inclusive tone?
Leadership & Tone
- Was I encouraging without putting pressure?
- Did I normalize not speaking right away?
- Did I reinforce that it’s okay to ask anything?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Putting new members on the spot too early
- Ignoring unfamiliarity with acronyms or tools
- Rushing through without acknowledging the new face
- Acting like nothing is different when someone new joins