Library of facilitation techniques

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.

One of the best models to explore purpose and meaning in life. Ikigai is 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.

A speculative prompt-based activity that encourages participants to explore alternative futures by asking bold or unexpected "what if" questions. This method invites imaginative thinking and helps loosen assumptions about how the future has to unfold.

Get participants to reflect on facilitation skills they'd like to develop and set out on a quest of personal development.

Wizard's Boon is a quick, energizing activity that encourages group presence and invites participants to consider how they might collaborate more effectively in the session ahead.

In Social Presencing Theater, the word theater is used in connection to its root meaning – a place where something significant becomes visible, or where a community of people can see a shared experience. 4D mapping makes visible the current reality in a social system, such as a school system, health care system, or government.

Mindfulness of body is a foundational skill for Social Presencing Theater. And like any skill, we learn it through practice. The 20-minute Dance is a practice in which we pay attention to the feeling of the body, without thinking about it or judging it. We are not trying to fix or change or accomplish anything. We welcome every moment.

The Stuck Exercise is a process by which one experiences going through the whole U journey by moving from Sculpture 1 (current reality) to Sculpture 2 (emerging future). We do not know what the movements will be or where they will stop, but we can follow the movement and then reflect on our experience. Surprising insights can arise.

One idea enters the circle. The group builds it together, one sentence at a time. Every statement begins with "Yes, and..."

Tsunami Monkeys is a team-building game designed to enhance communication, trust, and problem-solving skills. It simulates a survival scenario where groups with different abilities—speaking, blind, and mute—must collaborate to overcome a common challenge: crossing an "ocean" to reach safety.

warm-up activity from Rachel Davis via AJ&Smart

This activity is a perfect holiday-themed icebreaker or energizer that combines creativity, quick thinking, and festive cheer. It encourages engagement, collaboration, and lighthearted fun, making it ideal for team-building, holiday parties, or virtual gatherings. By using emojis, it taps into visual problem-solving skills while keeping the atmosphere playful and inclusive.