The Reflection Deck
A versatile resource for coaches, leaders, facilitators and teams to support meaningful conversations and self-discovery.
I’ve been experimenting with different types of cards, words and images as part of my coaching and facilitation work for several years. I've found that using them opens up different types of conversations, often going deeper and to the root of the issue - building more awareness and understanding,
I then created my own pack, based on my years of experience of what I’d seen is well received, stimulates conversation and grows greater insight.
The Reflection Deck offers some dynamic word and visual prompts to inspire reflection, dialogue and fresh insight, featuring stunning photographs from around the world by award winning photographer Trai Anfield.
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 few ideas below and I also invite you to play, get creative and see what transpires).
Using these cards 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?’
I have deliberately combined single words and a beautiful set of images that will appeal to different sides of the brain. The choice of these work well with different preferences and can be helpful for diverse thinking styles such as analytical, holistic, creative, practical, and abstract.
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 context. That's the beauty of using cards, it opens up new thinking and possibilities.
They are a fantastic resource for anyone and work well for individuals and teams that are stuck, uncertain, resistant to change or need to open up new dialogue. They are also great for those who want to think more creatively and open up new opportunities.
Using the cards
With all of the suggested exercises below 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.
Once chosen you can simply 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?
With Individuals
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.
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.
Deepening reflection: Using a range of cards to explore a situation from multiple angles to uncover deeper meaning and a wider range of perspectives.
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.
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.
With Groups and Teams
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.
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?
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.
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.
For Yourself
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.
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.
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?
Want more ideas and inspiration? Contact me for a free PDF extended list of ways you can use the cards.
I would also love to hear about how you’ve used the Deck. Any new ideas will be added to the PDF list to share with others. Let's create a community of practice together.
Drop me a line at Christina@orangecedarcoaching.com to tell me what's been working for you.
Find out more about Trai’s photography at trai-anfield-photography.com or check her out on Instagram @trai_anfield_photographysafari