From “Ugh, Role Play” to “That Changed Everything”

What comes up when you hear the phrase, “Let’s role play”?

Many people experience a mix of dread and anxiety, and then search for an escape route. 

And yet—when we read our workshop evaluations, some of the most glowing, enthusiastic, can’t-believe-how-powerful-this-was feedback is about the role plays.

So how do we get from “Please no” to “Please more”?

That’s at the heart of The PD Workshop. We show you how to create spaces where practice feels safe-enough, purposeful, and transformational.

Here’s why role plays matter:

• They build new neural pathways while loosening old patterns.
  
  
• They stretch our zone of proximal development (yes, adults have one too).
  
  
• They model the vulnerability we often ask of others.
  
  
• They shift beliefs: “I used to hate role plays…now I see their value.”

And perhaps most importantly: our brains don’t distinguish between practice and reality. Well-designed role plays give participants a place to rehearse courage—so when the moment comes, they’re ready.

Here’s a reflection prompt for you: Think back to the last time you avoided a role play or skipped offering one to participants. What came up for you—fear of awkwardness, worry about wasting time, uncertainty about how to frame it? Naming your own resistance is the first step toward shifting it.

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Want to try transformational role playing for yourself? You’ll find it woven into all of our workshops. It’s how we help leaders, coaches, and facilitators stretch themselves and grow in meaningful ways.

Want to read my top strategy for making the most of limited PD time?

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