Library of facilitation techniques

A Self-Awareness, Empathy, and Non-Violent Communication Practice for Leaders and Team members

The Planets Activity is a reflective and relational practice that helps leaders map the inner landscape that drives their behaviour at work. Using a simple metaphor of three concentric circles, participants identify their core needs (NVC), the feelings that arise when these needs are met or unmet, and the observable actions they take on the “surface” as a result. By distinguishing clearly between needs, feelings, and behaviours, leaders gain a deeper understanding of their own patterns and those of others. This creates a foundation of empathy, emotional literacy, and shared language that enhances collaboration, reduces misinterpretation, and supports more human, responsible leadership.

It has been a highly acclaimed activity for every team and training session, and it is easy to deliver while having the greatest impact on the workshop or training.

Originally created by Xavier Garcia-Weibel & Julie Leitz

Human-Centric Leaders www.humancentricleaders.com

xavier@humancentricleaders.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/xaviergarciaweibel

Exercise to help participants introduce themselves in more unique and personal ways

Participants attempt to count to 20, saying the numbers in a random order without repeating any.

Players walk in different ways as prompted by the instructor

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.

A playful and reflective group exercise that helps participants recognise and appreciate both their own and each other's signature strengths.

By anonymously sharing top character strengths and guessing which list belongs to whom, the group engages in a positive exchange that promotes self-awareness, team bonding, and mutual appreciation.

This activity is based on the VIA classification of character strengths developed by Peterson & Seligman (2004), and is ideal for team-building, coaching, or personal development workshops.

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.

Year Compass is a very well-designed self-reflection and planning tool that helps teams and individuals to review the past year with mindfulness and intention, and set meaningful goals for the year ahead.

A guided visualisation activity that is designed for deep life reflection and thinking about what truly matters to oneself, through future-oriented thinking.