The Reflection Deck
A versatile resource for coaches, leaders, facilitators and teams to support meaningful conversations and self-discovery.
I’m so excited to be sharing these Reflection Cards that I have co-created with award winning photographer Trai Anfield. They have been a labour of love and there were times when I thought I would never quite get to getting them printed and out into the world. And now here they are and I am so proud of the work Trai and I have done together on them.
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I’ve been experimenting with different types of cards and images as part of my work for several years and wanted to create a pack that helps build awareness and understanding, based on what I’ve seen is well received, stimulates conversation and grows personal, and team, insight.
The Reflection Deck offers some stimulating word and visual prompts to inspire reflection, dialogue and fresh insight, with stunning photographs from around the world.
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For these cards, I have combined single words and a stimulating set of images that will appeal to different sides of the brain. The words and images on the opposite sides of the cards are intentionally unrelated, so that each is freely open to interpretation, with nothing pre-construed. What an individual sees in a word or image will be unique to them and their current context. Notice when using the cards that you may have a very different interpretation of them and allow others to see what they see and take the meaning of words as they choose.
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The words are totally open to interpretation for instance, ‘Responsibility’ could be chosen by someone already feeling the weight of it, someone wanting to be trusted with more of it, or someone is finding the opposite issue – irresponsibility.
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Using the cards
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These cards are a great tool for helping people to access and express what’s on their mind and how they are feeling. You can use the cards in so many different ways, I’ve given you a list of ideas below and I also invite you to play, get creative and see what transpires.
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Using cards in a 1-2-1 or session, can help people to more easily access and express what’s on their mind and how they are feeling. They act as a prompt and focus and often opens up much more context than simply asking someone ‘how do you feel?’
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The choice of words and images works with different preferences and can be helpful for diverse thinking styles such as analytical, holistic, creative, practical, and abstract thinkers.
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With all of these exercises you can choose to lay the cards out as words only, images only or a mixture – whatever feels most useful. Encourage people to go with their first, or gut, instinct and to not to try to rationalise or overthink it.
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Once chosen you can ask people to reflect on questions such as:
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What is the significance of this card to you?
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What does it represent?
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What pulled you to it?
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With Individuals
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Opening a session: Ask the person to choose one or two cards that signify how they are ‘turning up’ or feeling today. Once chosen, ask them to tell you about what it means for them - let them interpret the images/words freely. See where the conversation leads.
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Exploring a situation: During a supervision or coaching sessions, ask the person to choose an image or word that represents how they feel, or are thinking, about a certain situation or issue. Ask them to explore what that image or word means for them.
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Deepening reflection: Using a range of cards to explore a situation from multiple angles to uncover deeper meaning and a wider range of perspectives.
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Storyboarding: Ask the person to choose a card that for them represents what has already happened and brought them to where they are now. Once explored, ask them to now choose a card that is about what they want the next part of their story to be. Spend time reflecting on this and then ask them to select further words/pictures that would represent their important milestones along the way from here to there.
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Values exploration: Invite the individual (this could also be a group exercise) to choose the cards which represent their values. Explore these, what they mean for them, how they show up and what happens when they are compromised.
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Opening up new possibilities: Ask the individual to consider: if they suddenly had no barriers to realising their ambitions, what possibilities might emerge? Invite them to choose the card(s) which represents what is possible – without any restraints or limiting beliefs. Get them to explore and share what this would mean for them and to embody the feelings of achieving their dream. Once they have expressed what would be possible, ask them, so what would it take to make this possibility happen? (This activity also works well in a group, working in pairs to explore).
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Closing a session: Ask the person to select a card that represents a key insight they have gained from the session or something they plan to put into practice.
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With Groups and Teams
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Checking-In: Working with a group, ask them to each choose a ‘check-in’ card at the beginning of a session. Then get them to work in pairs or small groups and to share what that card means for them. Allow each person to talk without interruption or judgement. This can also be done or repeated at the end of a session too, as a ‘check-out’ exercise.
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Team visioning: Ask the team to collectively select cards, through discussion and negotiation, to create and articulate a vision for their team or a joint enterprise. You can prompt thinking with queries such as: What is your team known for? What have been your biggest successes? What are your ambitions? What makes you who you are?
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Building aspirations: Each individual in a team chooses a card that represents their aspirations for the team or enterprise. Ask each to share these with the group, and facilitate a conversation around similarities, differences, barriers and possibilities. This will surface different perspectives and expectations and create better joint understanding within the team.
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Closing a session/meeting: Have everyone choose a card that represents their experience or key takeaway from the session to share with the group or use for feedback.
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Creative problem-solving: Give the group a random card and ask them to identify words that come to mind. Then, experiment with applying those words to a problem to find new insights.
Reviewing experiences: After an activity or experience, have the group choose cards that represent for instance, how they felt, what they learned, or how the group operated.
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Identifying Individual Contributions: At the beginning of a project ask everyone to select a card that which represents what they will be adding into the mix and contributing to the team.
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For Yourself
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Free Writing: Draw a card at random and use the image or word as a prompt for some free writing. You can set yourself a timer – 3/5/10 minutes - and keep your pen on the page, writing what comes to you - your immediate reactions, thoughts, and feelings - inspired by the card.
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Morning reflection: Choose a card and use it for reflection and insight – what does this card mean for you today and what will you be mindful of in your day ahead.
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Looking back and forward: Use cards to reflect on a specific area of your life or work, you’re your career or personal development, choosing a card that represents your thoughts or feelings.
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Grounding: Sit with the cards spread out in front of you and consider the question ‘What do I need to know right now?’ or another question that feels relevant to you at that moment. When you are ready, choose the card that you feel drawn to (you can do this with your eyes open or closed). Reflect on the image and/or the word on the card. What do you take from it?
I would love to hear about how you’ve used these cards. Please drop me a line at Christina@orangecedarcoaching.com
Find out more about Trai’s photography at trai-anfield-photography.com or check her out on Instagram @trai_anfield_photographysafari