To coach with a dice

From the dice game to commitment, a support to move forward differently 

 

In a coaching process, getting the coachee to explore new avenues, overcome their resistance, or clarify their thinking can sometimes require a trigger.

 

The use of a simple dice then becomes a powerful tool : It introduces a playful dimension, facilitates expression, and opens the way to unprecedented self-awareness. Each roll of the dice becomes an opportunity to address an essential question, to take a different look at a situation, and to transform an exchange into an interactive and engaging moment.

 

Objectives of the kit 

 

Create a playful and engaging framework to stimulate participation.

• Facilitate the coachee’s expression on subjects that are sometimes sensitive.
• Introduce an element of controlled randomness to bypass blockages or resistances.
• Foster reflection and creativity, particularly in group sessions.
• Explore a problem from different angles, thanks to a 6-entry sheet.

 

Educational and relational benefits 

• Ritualization of the introduction to a given topic.
• Valuation of everyone’s voice in groups, even the most reserved participants.
• Simplicity of implementation : one dice, one thematic sheet.
• Versatility : adapts to all types of coaching (individual, group, youth, adults, corporate).
• Metaphorical or projective approach possible (chance as a revealer or as a mirror).

Limitations and Precautions for Use

• Risk of superficiality if the coach does not delve into the answers given.
• Does not suit all profiles : some coachees may reject the playful aspect.
• Do not force the process : allow the choice to answer a different question if the subject drawn is not inspiring.
• Do not try to “complete all 6 questions” at all costs : leave space for genuine expression/dialogue.
• Requires a good debriefing to derive lasting benefit.
• It is not a diagnostic tool, but a lever for exploration.
• Use the game as a tool in service of the coaching, and not as an end in itself.

The advantages of the dice game for the coach

• Introduce an original approach that energizes individual or group sessions.
• Remove blockages thanks to the “game” effect, which facilitates spontaneity and builds confidence.
• Explore a wide variety of themes (confidence, objectives, emotions, professional stance, time management, etc.).
• Structure exchanges around 6 specific questions per theme, while leaving freedom to the coachee.
• Have a ready-to-use tool that is simple to use and adapted to different audiences (individuals, managers, students, teams).
• A fun and quick-to-use tool : perfect for leading a short session or a demonstration at a professional fair. A roll of the dice, a question, an exchange… and the potential of coaching is revealed in a few minutes.

Contents of the kits 

• Coach’s Guide in Word or PDF version : 28 pages
• Questions to be given to the coachee in Word or PDF version : 13 pages

 

1 guide for the coach : 

• Objectives of the tool, educational and relational benefits, limitations and precautions for use.
• Typical session flow and suggestions for variations.
• 12 detailed thematic sheets (objectives, benefits, usage situations, precautions, 6 questions associated with the dice, debriefing leads).
• Each sheet can be printed separately and personalized with your contact information and logo.

1 file of 12 sheets to present to the coachee :

• The sheets contain the 6 questions associated with each theme, to encourage the coachee’s direct involvement.
• Each sheet can be printed separately and personalized with your contact information and logo.

 

The 12 included themes :

 

• Strengthen your confidence
• Identify your needs
• Clarify an objective
• Take action
• Review a situation (or take stock of a situation)
• Make a decision
• Manage an emotion
• Explore your values
• Connect with your resources
• Better manage your time
• Review a period or a project
• Work on your professional stance (or professional posture)

Make a difference in your coaching !

With this kit, transform your coaching sessions into interactive and engaging experiences, where a simple roll of the dice becomes the starting point for rich reflection that brings about change.

 

Transcript of part of a coaching session with a young adult and the use of the dice game.

 

Context :

• I am coaching Julien, a 21-year-old student in his third year of a Bachelor’s degree in Law. Julien studies a lot, and his social life is suffering as a result, despite this, he still barely passes his exams, most often during the retake session.
• His objective for this coaching is to gain efficiency in his learning.
• As I suspect an excessive need for perfectionism, I decide to dedicate the last 15 minutes of his second session to the game “A dice to free the speech of young people” using the thematic sheet “Getting out of perfectionism. ” 

 

1 – I’ll start by making them feel comfortable and presenting the game.

• Coach : “You mentioned you were having trouble getting everything ready in time for your exams, and that you often felt like you were never truly prepared. Is that right ?”

• Julien : “Yes, I spend a huge amount of time on every single detail, and I feel like I can never do enough.”

• Coach : “That’s often what we call perfectionism. Today, the idea is to discuss it in a different, slightly more playful way. We’re going to use a dice : each side corresponds to a question on this topic. You roll it, we discover the question, and we’ll discuss based on your answer.”

• Coach (continuing the explanation) : “The goal is for you to understand what’s really happening within you, and perhaps find a more flexible way to approach your work.”

• Coach : “Do you want to try it ?”Julien nods, amused to see a dice on the table.

 

2- Exploration phase with the dice 

• Coach : Alright, roll the dice ! 1st roll : dice result = 1

• Question No. 1 : In what area of your life do you feel the most pressure to be perfect ?

• Julien : In my studies, definitely. I’m afraid of handing in work that isn’t absolutely top-notch.

• Coach : And what does that idea of having to be “top-notch” do to you ?

• Julien : It’s exhausting. I spend hours on it, and I get lost in the process.

• Coach : If you weren’t trying to be perfect, what would change in the way you work ?

•  Julien : I would have more time, I would be less stressed.

• Coach : So a part of you already knows that aiming for “perfect” is costing you energy.

• Coach : I invite you to roll the dice again.

2nd roll : dice result = 3

Question No. 3 : How do you react when you see a friend make a mistake or hand in imperfect work ?

•  Julien : Honestly, I don’t judge them. I tell myself that it’s normal.

•  Coach : So, you seem more lenient with others than you are with yourself ?

• Julien : Yes, absolutely.

•  Coach : What is stopping you from giving yourself the same kindness ?

•  Julien : “Because I’ve always been hard on myself. If I don’t put pressure on myself, I feel like I won’t move forward.”

•  Coach : I suggest we continue this reflection without rolling the dice, but by answering question no. 5, would you like to ?

Question No. 5 : What could you say to the part of you that wants to do everything perfectly ?

• Julien : To relax a little, that it doesn’t need to control everything.

• Coach : Do you want to say that to it using your own words ?

• Julien (smiling) : “Thank you, but let me breathe !”

• Coach : You can even give it a name, if you want… the little inner controller !

• Julien : I think I’m more of “The Detail Chief.”

• Coach : Good point ! I now invite you to answer question 6.

 

Question No. 6 : What would be a small step toward more flexibility or self-compassion this week ?

• Julien : Maybe hand in my project file on the scheduled date, even if it’s not perfect. Usually, I always negotiate an extension with the teachers.

• Coach : And what would it prove to you if you succeeded ?

•  Julien : That it’s possible to do “good enough” without it being catastrophic.

•  Coach : I hear progress rather than aiming for perfection, is that right ? We are nearing the end of our session. If you had to summarize what you take away from this little dice game, what would it be ?

•  Julien : That my perfectionism exhausts me more than it helps me, and that I can be good without being perfect.

• Coach : That is a wonderful step forward. And what concrete commitment do you want to make to test this out this week ?

•   Julien : I will hand in my project file as it is, without spending extra hours on it.

•  Coach : Perfect. And we will see together how you felt.