Library of facilitation techniques

10 seconds for the group to form a group 'snapshot' tableau

Bei „Whiskey Mixer“ ist Schnelligkeit gefragt! Wer zögert oder Fehler macht, muss zur Strafe laufen. Versprecher sind ausdrücklich erwünscht und sorgen für eine Menge Heiterkeit.

Reveal and reshape the patterns of interaction within a group by making relationship dynamics visible and tangible. Participants use simple cards to represent different roles, behaviors, or connection types in a network (for example, who initiates, who bridges, who withdraws, who amplifies).

By arranging and rearranging these cards, groups can explore how influence flows, where bottlenecks exist, and how new connection patterns might improve collaboration. This structure helps teams better understand relational dynamics and intentionally shift toward more productive and inclusive network patterns.

This method is designed to be remote-first (using a shared whiteboard).

Uncover and challenge the hidden beliefs, assumptions, and internal voices that are limiting progress toward an important goal. In small groups, one person shares a personal or professional challenge while two others play contrasting “pixie” roles – one advocating for change and possibility and the other representing resistance and caution. Through this playful exchange, participants surface unconscious assumptions, explore opposing perspectives on risks and opportunities, and gain clarity on how to move forward. This structure helps reveal internal barriers, generate new insights, and support more informed action planning in individual and group settings.

Vote with your feet exercise to set up insightful conversations and activities

A Japanese concept that translates roughly as your reason for being; the sweet spot where four core dimensions of a meaningful life overlap: what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.

Note: While the naming for this exercise is a bit off from it’s original meaning, it is the name under which this concept is known.

This exercise guides participants through a structured 4-circle Venn diagram reflection to explore these four life dimensions, identify overlaps, and uncover areas to develop toward a meaningful, purpose-driven life. Ideal for personal development, career coaching, or team wellbeing sessions.

A personal reflection activity designed to help individuals discover their core strengths and intentionally apply them in daily life. Using one's strengths is proven to enhance well-being, boost confidence, and increase motivation.

This short but powerful exercise helps participants reflect on their talents and brainstorm meaningful ways to use them more regularly.

Note: You can also replace the first with a quick brainstorm to name 3-5 their strengths, without the list, and it will make a full exercise very short - 3 minutes or so - yet still effective.

Ideal for self-coaching, wellbeing programs, and strengths-based personal development.

A short daily reflection practice that boosts self-awareness, emotional clarity, and inner balance. By focusing attention on the body, emotions, thoughts, and energy, participants learn to recognize their needs and regulate their internal state more effectively.

Ideal for daily routines, mental well-being programs, and resilience-building workshops, this exercise supports emotional intelligence and mindful presence.

A positive psychology exercise that helps participants discover and apply their core character strengths in new and meaningful ways. Based on research by Seligman and colleagues, this activity boosts long-term well-being and reduces depressive symptoms by encouraging daily strength-based action.
Participants complete the VIA strengths questionnaire, reflect on their top strengths, and develop practical ways to apply one of them in new contexts during the coming week.

Ideal for personal development, coaching, and strengths-based workshops, this exercise promotes increased motivation, happiness, and a more conscious relationship with oneself.

„The Debate“ ist eine strukturierte Methode, bei der ein Thema aus zwei entgegengesetzten Perspektiven (Option A vs. Option B) betrachtet wird. Ziel ist es, die Weisheit beider Seiten zu erkennen, zu lernen, und letztlich eine Entscheidung zu treffen.

In dieser Übung trainieren die Teilnehmenden, eine Bitte respektvoll Grenzen zu setzen. Sie lernen die Methode des wertschätenden Neinsagens, indem sie unmögliche Bitten ablehnen.