The strength of this activity lies in its simplicity, and the countless ways it can be used.

Participants look at a large group of pictures (or cards), and then choose two. One represents where they are, and the other represents where they want to be in the future. These selections are then shared and discussed in small or large groups.

We use this activity to exemplify what we call the ‘Heart’ of coaching—to show how first and foremost, coaching is focused on what is important to you, your passions, purpose and connectedness.

Pic-a-Card can be used as an icebreaker to quickly connect a group of strangers. It can also be used as a check-in between a teacher and a coachee, asking them to pick a card at regular intervals throughout a journey. At home, try sticking it on your fridge for casual conversations with your teenager.

Regardless of how it’s used, Pic-a-Card speaks to the same thing—where I am now and where I want to be in the future is connected to Heart.

HOW TO USE THE PIC-A-CARD RESOURCE FOR A COACHING ACTIVITY

Download the PDF, and share it with your group. Explain to participants that they are about to do a card sharing exercise. Ask participants to choose any two cards—one that represents where they are now and one that represents where they want to be in the future. They can choose any card (quote, picture, symbol), and ‘future’ refers to any point in the future.

This activity is not specific to school, work or home life; they are welcome to choose any area of their life that they wish. Give them about five minutes to select their cards.

They will, one at a time, share their two chosen cards, either with a small or large group of participants, answering the following questions:

• What about the card you chose represents where you are now?

• What about the card you chose represents where you want to be in the future?

After each participant answers these two questions, one person from the group will ask a question about one of the cards shared. Once they have asked the question and the person has answered, the next person will share their cards and so on. 

Give each person around one minute to share their cards and be asked a question.

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