What are these cards?
A basic set of cards for facilitating group work, grouped into the following categories:
CONCEPTS
PROCESSES
TOOLS
The number of cards in the set is 62
The size of the cards is 10*15 centimeters
The volume of the first edition is 200 copies
For whom
for facilitators, trainers, team leaders, etc
for those who teach facilitation and working with groups
for self-charging groups and teams (for example, peer-to-peer groups)
What is the use of cards
facilitating the session design process
vocabulary for shared understanding of processes and phenomena with the group and/or co-facilitator
more efficient work of the group to achieve the expected results according to the request
increasing awareness and self-reliance of the group
a tool for training others in facilitation and one's own professional development
a set of illustrations on the back of cards that can be used for various facilitator tasks
an aesthetic thing in the facilitator's suitcase ;)
Overview of the deck of cards
There are three categories of cards in the set: Processes, Tools, Concepts. Here is a brief description, and below you will find options for working with cards both individually by category and their combinations (you can also go to a detailed description of each category by clicking on its name).
PROCESSES
Each card describes a separate stage of the facilitator's work, starting from formulating a request to closing the group process. Using the cards as a designer, the facilitator can create an effective, coherent and in-depth session that takes into account the goals and needs of the client and the group.
CONCEPTS
Each card describes a concept that makes interpersonal interaction more effective and deeper. Working with these cards will deepen the awareness of the participants, improve their interaction skills, and at the same time help to increase your professionalism, because together these cards form the basis of the skill of the facilitator.
TOOLS
Each card describes a way of organizing the group process and/or influencing the interaction of the participants at different stages. They can be used as inspiration when designing your own session or applied directly during the session.
Basic concepts used in card descriptions
FACILITATION
Facilitating group interaction aimed at helping the group achieve its goals
SESSION
A meeting (or series of meetings) devoted to specific topics or goals, where participants engage in discussion, learning, decision-making, etc. A session can consist of blocks, activities, etc. and last from several hours to several days.
FACILITATOR
A person who, without taking sides or influencing decisions, helps the group understand their common goals and plan to achieve them. A team or group member can also act as a facilitator.
GROUP
People who interact with each other, but do not necessarily have agreed goals and do not always work on common tasks. A TEAM is a type of group specifically created to work toward common goals. Team members are interdependent, often with clearly defined roles, and work closely together.
CUSTOMER (English sponsor)
A person or organization that supports a facilitation session by providing resources or authority. It is the customer who usually initiates the facilitation process and determines its goals, since the expected results of the session relate to broader organizational or project goals.
REQUEST
Formulated by the customer and/or group, a formal or informal request to help solve a certain issue through a facilitation approach. A request may include: (1) a description of the problem to be solved; (2) goals to be achieved; (3) the results that the customer expects to obtain from the facilitation process.
PROCESS cards
Related
concepts
Category
Related
tools
Each card describes a separate stage of the facilitator's work, starting from formulating a request to closing the group process. Using the cards as a designer, the facilitator can create an effective, coherent and in-depth session that takes into account the goals and needs of the client and the group.
List of PROCESS cards:
Customer request
Group request
We design
We are preparing the space
We are establishing contact
Forming the feeling of "WE"
We study the context
We unpack the examination
Teach-in
We generate
We choose ideas
We plan actions
We create a product
We reflect
We let the group go
Feedback
At the bottom of each card you will find the names of tools that can be used at a certain stage and the names of concepts that should be kept in focus and introduced to the group to deepen awareness and interaction.
Algorithm:
Identify the main requests/goals of the customer and/or group.
Choose the cards that best suit your specific request/goals.
Arrange the cards in a logical chain that leads the group from the initial stage to the achievement of the final goals.
Adapt: Depending on the context and group dynamics, add, remove or replace stages as you work.
Approximate samples of chains of process cards for different scenarios
The chains are indicative and contain reference points of the process. If there is no Reflection card in the chain, this does not mean that this step should be skipped. The scenarios below are theoretical, their purpose is to help you understand how to work with cards. Your chains may (and most likely will) differ from those listed on the site, depending on the request.
SCENARIO 1. Strategic planning
01
Understand the customer's expectations regarding strategic planning
02
Analyze the current situation (internal, external environment, etc.)
03
Familiarize the group with new methods of strategic planning (if necessary)
04
Create strategic ideas and initiatives
05
Choose the most promising strategies
06
Develop a strategy implementation plan
07
Reflect, summarize and determine next steps
08
Get feedback from the customer about the results
SCENARIO 2. Development of team skills
01
We determine the need of the team (what skills need to be developed)
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02
We create an atmosphere of trust and openness
03
We promote team cohesion
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We identify and use the strengths of the team
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05
We teach new team techniques and methods (if necessary)
06
We are developing a plan for implementing the acquired skills in everyday work
07
We help to realize changes, evaluate progress, give feedback.
SCENARIO 3. Innovation session
01
We determine the needs for innovative solutions
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02
We create a creative and safe environment for ideas
03
We unite the team for joint creative work
04
We conduct a brainstorm, generate new ideas
05
We choose the most promising innovative ideas
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06
We develop a prototype or model based on innovative ideas
07
We reflect, summarize and plan the next steps
Cards TOOLS
Category
Each card describes a way of organizing the group process and/or influencing the interaction of the participants at different stages. They can be used as inspiration when designing your own session or applied directly during the session.
List of cards TOOLS:
1-2-4-all
Artifact
Leave the room
Feel the concept
The embodiment
Direct communication
We generate together
canvas
Problem tree
Mirror and window
Reverse design
Stories and cases
Energizers/ grounding
14. We delegate
15. Circle
16. Craft
17. Metaphor
18. Notes
19. Provocation
20. Gallery
21. Let's celebrate
22. Strong questions
23. Observation
24. Testing
25 Four F's
26. Whatever
IDEAS FOR USE
1. DURING SESSION DESIGN
Start with a clear understanding of the goals and requests of the customer and the group . This will help you choose the most appropriate tools to achieve the desired results.
Design a session plan. Using process cards, create an overall structure for the session. Identify the key stages (for example: formulation of the request, generation of ideas, planning of actions, etc.).
Only then choose the tools that are best suited for each stage. For example, you can use "Generate together" to generate ideas, and "Reverse design" to plan actions (the Processes cards show examples of tools that might work for you).
Build selected tools into the overall session plan. Make sure that each tool used helps you get closer to the goal of a specific stage and contributes to the overall goals of the session.
2. DURING THE SESSION
Representation. Explain to participants the purpose and expected result of using a particular tool. For example, if you use a "Problem Tree", explain that this will help identify the root causes of the problem and perhaps rephrase the query.
Instruction . Give clear instructions on how to use the tool. Provide participants with necessary materials and resources.
Monitoring and support. Monitor the process and provide support to participants by answering questions and helping to resolve difficulties.
Reflection and assessment. Reflect after using the tool. Ask participants what they learned (learned, realized, etc.) and how it will help them achieve the goals of the session.
Cards CONCEPTS
Related
processes
Category
Related
tools
Each card describes a concept that makes interpersonal interaction more effective and deeper. Working with these cards will deepen the awareness of the participants, improve their interaction skills, and at the same time help to increase your professionalism, because together these cards form the basis of the skill of the facilitator.
List of cards CONCEPTS:
Space
Teaching
Flexibility
Trust
Energy
Conflict
Responsibility
Awareness
Presence
The wisdom of the group
Depth/width
Structure/process
Self-charging
14. Hearing
15. Courage
16. Rhythm
17. Silence
18. Body
19. Role
At the bottom of each card you will find the names of tools that can be used to work with the concept and the names of processes that can be strengthened through the conscious work of a group or facilitator with the concept indicated on the card
IDEAS FOR USE
1. INTEGRATE INTO PLANNING.
Incorporate concept cards into the session planning process to provide a deeper approach to facilitation. Choose the concepts that best match the goals and context of the session.
Example: If your session focuses on conflict resolution, choose the Conflict and Trust cards to build the corresponding focuses and activities into the session plan.
2. DEVELOP THE THEMATIC BLOCKS OF THE SESSION.
Use concept cards to create thematic blocks that explore selected concepts in more depth. Plan activities and discussions that help participants better understand and apply these concepts.
Example: Organize an "Energy" thematic unit where participants explore how to manage group energy to maintain high engagement.
3. DEVELOP PARTICIPANTS' INTERACTION SKILLS.
Use concept cards to practice and develop group interaction skills. Organize exercises where participants can practice and discuss these concepts.
Example: Use the "Role" card as a prop for a role-play where participants switch roles to better understand group interactions.
4. MAKE THE INTERACTION OF PARTICIPANTS MORE CONSCIOUS.
Use the cards in difficult moments of the session. During the session, present the concepts and discuss how they can improve the interaction.
Example: If all participants start talking at the same time, pause, discuss the concept of "Listening" and its importance for successful group communication.
5. DEVELOP YOUR OWN FACILITATOR SKILL .
Use concept cards for personal reflection and self-observation. Choose one or more cards before each session and think about how these concepts can be integrated into your work.
Example: Before the session, select the "Presence" card and think about what would help you to be as present as possible when interacting with the group.
REMINDER:
It is important to understand at the beginning of the session/block/exercise why exactly these concepts should be the focus of attention (of the participants and/or yours) and how they can be applied during work.
During the exercise/block/session, remind the concepts that you discussed if you see that it has fallen out of focus of the participants.
Remember to reflect. Finally, discuss with the participants how the focus on the selected concepts affected their experience during the exercise/block/session and what they learned.
Image on the back
METAPHORICAL CARDS
We created 62 metaphorical illustrations that are placed on the back of the cards. They can be used as a visual aid to help you or the participants explain an abstract concept, express their thoughts, describe feelings, states, etc. More information here.
PICTURES OF SPOTS
The set contains 6 cards with blue spots, from 1 to 6. These can be used to determine the sequence (for example, in which sequence the small groups will present the results of their work). More information here
