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How It Works

HOW TO USE THE MIRROR DECK

Six Ways to Use Coaching Cards & Facilitation Cards

The Mirror Deck can be used in different ways depending on the session, the group, and the purpose of the conversation.

01 USE CASE

In a One-to-One Coaching Session

Use the cards when a client is circling the same issue, over-explaining the problem, or struggling to name what is really happening.

Which card feels closest to what is happening right now?

Why It Works

The card gives the client something outside themselves to work with. This creates distance from the issue and often makes the conversation more specific.

The image may surface a role, a defence, a choice, or a pattern the client has not yet named.

These metaphor cards are useful in coaching sessions, executive coaching, reflective conversations, and self-awareness work.

02 USE CASE

At the Start of a Team Session

Use one card at the start of a team session, offsite, or leadership workshop.

Place the card at the centre and ask the group:

What do you notice?
What does this image say about how we are entering this conversation?
What pattern does this remind us of?

Why It Helps

This helps the group begin with observation rather than opinion. It also makes it easier to name tension without making the conversation personal too quickly.

The deck works well as a set of team facilitation cards and leadership reflection tools for workshops, offsites, and group development sessions.

03 USE CASE

As a Check-In or Closing Ritual

Use one card as a check-in or closing ritual.

At the start: “Which card shows how you are arriving today?”
At the end: “Which card shows what you are leaving with?”

Why It Works

The person does not need to explain everything. Sometimes one image and one sentence are enough. This keeps the ritual simple, but still useful.

The cards can be used as reflection cards for check-ins, closing circles, team rituals, and facilitation practice.

04 USE CASE

When a Conversation Gets Stuck

Use the deck when a conversation is repeating, becoming too abstract, or losing energy.

“What does this card show that we have not said yet?”
“What role is active here?”
“What choice may be available now?”

Why It Works

A card can interrupt the loop without forcing a solution. It gives the person or group another way to look at the issue.

This helps move the conversation from repetition to recognition.

The deck can also be used as conversation starter cards for coaching, facilitation, conflict work, and reflective dialogue.

05 USE CASE

For Self-Reflection

Use the deck for your own reflective practice.

Pick a card without looking. Sit with the image before reading the prompts. Notice what you are drawn to, what you resist, and what the card brings into focus.

Then write for ten minutes using one of the prompts on the back.

Why It Works

The card is not there to give an answer. It gives you a starting point for honest reflection.

The Mirror Deck can be used as self-awareness cards, introspection cards, personal growth cards, and reflective learning tools.

06 USE CASE

In Leadership Development Programmes

Use the Mirror Deck in leadership development programmes where participants need to move beyond frameworks and into behaviour.

Frameworks help people understand concepts. Cards help people notice how those concepts show up in real situations.

The deck can be used for modules on leadership identity, conflict, power, influence, transition, resilience, team dynamics, and decision-making.

Why It Works

It helps participants connect reflection to behaviour, and behaviour to choice.

The Mirror Deck works as a leadership development tool, executive coaching tool, leadership workshop deck, and reflective facilitation tool for organisations.

Three Simple Ways to Work With the Deck

01

Open Choice

Spread the cards face-up and let the person or group choose the card that draws their attention.

Use this when the conversation needs ownership.
02

Blind Choice

Let the person pick a card without seeing the image first.

Use this when the conversation needs surprise, disruption, or a new angle.
03

Curated Choice

Select a few cards in advance based on the session theme.

Use this in leadership programmes, team workshops, supervision, or structured facilitation.