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Case study and role-playing scenarios for leadership skills training

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Case study and role-playing scenarios for leadership skills training

Case Study & Role‑Playing Scenarios for Leadership Skills Training

Last Updated: 28 July 2023  |  Hits: 1,397


🧭 Overview

This activity set helps participants understand and practice core leadership capabilities through case‑study analysis, role‑play scenarios, and ongoing reflection journaling. It highlights how leaders navigate change, resolve conflict, give feedback, and make decisions under pressure.


⏱️ Total Time

  • Case‑Study Analysis: 30 minutes
  • Role‑Play Scenarios (5): 60 minutes (≈ 12 min each: 5 for prep, 5 for role‑play, 2 for quick feedback)
  • Leadership Reflection Journal: Ongoing (5 minutes at session end)

🗂️ Tools / Materials

  • Printed case study handout (included below)
  • Scenario cards (5 comprehensive role‑play prompts)
  • Reflection journal template (or blank notebooks)
  • Flip‑chart & markers for group debrief

📖 Case Study Analysis – “Leading Through Change”

Purpose: Apply analytical thinking and develop a change‑leadership plan.

  1. Read (5 min): Distribute the case study (see sidebar).
  2. Small‑Group Discussion (10 min): Identify key issues, stakeholders, and risks.
  3. Solution Brainstorm (10 min): Propose leadership actions – communication cadence, change‑management tactics, engagement activities.
  4. Report‑Out (5 min): Each group shares top three actions. Capture on flip‑chart.

Debrief Questions

  • Which leadership approaches felt most feasible?
  • How would you sustain employee morale through uncertainty?
  • Where could the plan fail without strong communication?

🎭 Role‑Play Scenarios (5 Comprehensive Challenges)

Participants work in pairs or triads (Coach / Coachee / Observer). Rotate roles every scenario.

  1. Scenario 1 – Remote Performance Dip
    A high performer’s productivity has declined since moving to remote work. The leader must diagnose root causes and co‑create a recovery plan.
  2. Scenario 2 – Cross‑Team Conflict
    Two departments blame each other for a missed deadline. The leader facilitates a joint session to restore trust and define shared goals.
  3. Scenario 3 – Diversity & Inclusion Incident
    A team member reports feeling excluded after a comment made in a meeting. The leader must address the issue promptly and model inclusive behavior.
  4. Scenario 4 – High‑Stakes Decision Under Time Pressure
    A critical system is down; the leader has 30 minutes to choose between a quick fix with risk or a delayed but safer rollout – while communicating with stakeholders.
  5. Scenario 5 – Giving Tough Feedback to a Star Performer
    A top salesperson’s behavior is eroding team morale. The leader must deliver candid feedback without losing the performer’s engagement.

Role‑Play Flow (per scenario)

  • Prep – 5 min: Review scenario & choose approach.
  • Role‑Play – 5 min: Conduct live conversation.
  • Peer Feedback – 2 min: Observer provides strengths & improvement tips.

Debrief Questions (Post‑Scenario)

  • Which leadership behaviors stood out?
  • How well were empathy, clarity, and decision‑making displayed?
  • What would you try differently in a real situation?

📝 Leadership Reflection Journal

Suggested Prompts (use one per session):

  • Which leadership style did I lean on today, and why?
  • Describe a time I listened deeply – what changed?
  • How did feedback from peers shape my self‑awareness?

Dedicate 5 minutes at the end of the workshop for journaling, then optionally pair‑share insights.


🎯 Learning Outcomes

  • Analyze leadership dilemmas and develop actionable solutions.
  • Practice conflict resolution, feedback delivery, and decision‑making under pressure.
  • Increase self‑awareness through peer feedback and reflection.

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