Introduction: What You’ll Learn
This simulation will help you guide a technical spike discussion, focusing on exploring unknowns and reducing ambiguity for upcoming work. You'll practice keeping the conversation on track, encouraging exploration, and ensuring actionable outcomes.
You’ll practice:
- Setting the stage for a productive spike
- Guiding exploratory discussion
- Encouraging diverse perspectives and questions
- Concluding with clarified insights and next steps
Step-by-Step Simulation
Scene 1: Opening the Spike Discussion
Facilitator: "Hey everyone, thanks for joining. Today, we're diving into the upcoming integration of a new authentication service. Our goal is to explore any unknowns and clear up ambiguities before we kick off development. I'll give a quick overview."
Facilitator (as a tech lead): "We're planning to integrate a third-party auth service. We've got some concerns around API compatibility, data flow, and security compliance. Let's talk through these and anything else on your minds. Priya, want to start us off?"
Scene 2: Exploring Unknowns
Priya: "Sure. I'm wondering about API compatibility. Are there any known issues with our current framework?"
Facilitator: "Great question. Has anyone worked with this service before, or should we dig into the documentation?"
Alex: "I’ve worked with a similar API. We might run into issues with token handling if it doesn’t align with OAuth standards."
Facilitator: "Good to know, Alex. Let’s look into the token handling specifics. Sara, how about security compliance — any concerns there?"
Sara: "I’m a bit worried about data encryption and storage compliance. We need to check if the service aligns with our standards."
Facilitator: "Important point, Sara. Let's list our compliance criteria and verify the service’s documentation. Leo, any thoughts on data flow?"
Leo: "I'm thinking about how user data will move between services — are there any risks of data leaks?"
Facilitator: "Great point, Leo. Let’s map out data flow and identify potential risks. We can also consider which monitoring tools might help."
Scene 3: Encouraging Diverse Perspectives
Facilitator: "So far, we've got API compatibility, security compliance, and data flow on the table. Any other questions or areas that seem unclear?"
Priya: "What about error handling? How do we plan to manage integration failures?"
Facilitator: "That’s a good addition. Let’s outline potential error scenarios and how we’ll respond. Anything else?"
Alex: "What’s our backup plan if the integration doesn’t work out?"
Facilitator: "Good thinking, Alex. Let’s brainstorm some fallback strategies and discuss how we can safely revert changes if needed."
Scene 4: Wrapping Up and Actionable Insights
Facilitator: "We've covered a lot today. Here's a quick summary:"
- API Compatibility: Investigate token handling issues.
- Security Compliance: Verify encryption and storage standards.
- Data Flow: Map transit paths and monitor potential risks.
- Error Handling: Define error scenarios and response plans.
- Fallback Strategy: Develop a backup plan for integration failure.
Facilitator: "Who wants to take ownership of each point? Priya, could you lead the API compatibility research? Sara, could you verify compliance standards?"
(Priya and Sara agree to take on those tasks. Alex volunteers to map data flow, and Leo will draft error handling strategies.)
Facilitator: "Awesome. I'll put all this together and update our project tracking tool. Let’s meet again next week to see where we stand. Thanks, everyone, for your input!"
Mini Roleplay Challenges
Challenge 1: Someone raises a concern about a tangent topic.
- Best Response: “That’s important — let’s note it for another discussion and stay focused on our current scope.”
Challenge 2: A teammate is silent and not contributing.
- Best Response: “Leo, I noticed you’ve been quiet — any thoughts or questions on what’s been discussed?”
Challenge 3: The discussion gets too technical and loses focus.
- Best Response: “Let’s bring this back to our main objectives — identifying unknowns and clarifying ambiguities.”
Optional Curveball Mode
- A new, unexpected requirement is introduced.
- A key team member is absent.
- The discussion gets sidetracked by a lengthy debate.
Practice handling each scenario while maintaining focus and clarity.
Reflection Checklist
Discussion Flow
- Did I keep the discussion on track and focused?
- Did I encourage input from all team members?
- Did I manage time effectively?
Clarity and Outcomes
- Did we clarify key areas of ambiguity?
- Did we leave with clear, actionable next steps?
- Did I ensure ownership of follow-up tasks?
Facilitation Skills
- Was I open and encouraging of diverse perspectives?
- Did I maintain a balanced and inclusive environment?
- Did I summarize effectively and ensure clarity?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Allowing the discussion to drift off-topic
- Failing to involve quieter team members
- Overlooking follow-up actions and responsibilities
- Not summarizing key points and decisions before closing