What is it particularly suitable for

A Reflecting Team enables the client an independent view from the outside and is therefore particularly suitable:

1. To clarify strategic or project-related objectives
2. To gain impulses for personal development  
3. For the collection of new perspectives and alternative courses of action  

Why we love it

There is hardly any method that provides a client with such dense insights in such a short time as the Reflecting Team. What otherwise only takes place behind closed doors, namely the consultation about a case, takes place here in an appreciative, constructive way in front of the eyes and ears of the client. This gives the client impulses on several levels: On the one hand, about the way he thinks about and describes his case, on the other hand, about options for action and possible other points of view from the circle of the counsellors. The person seeking advice always has sovereignty over the proposals: He alone decides what he takes from the "buffet of possibilities" and what he leaves behind. This makes it much easier to accept good suggestions.

Procedure

1. The person seeking advice is interviewed by an interviewer on his or her topic. The reflective team sits apart so as not to influence the interview process. They listen attentively and observe the reactions. They do not interrupt the interview, but listen silently.
2. After some time, the interview team asks the reflective team for their thoughts and observations.
3. The reflective team sits down in the room in such a way that they have no contact with the interview team, not even eye contact. The team talks about what they have heard and exchanges perceptions, thoughts, observations and questions. It is important that this is done in an appreciative, supportive and benevolent manner. The reflective team usually talks for five to ten minutes, sometimes longer. They are usually not interrupted by the interview team.
4. The interviewer then talks to the person seeking advice about their thoughts as they listened and what they would like to follow up from what they have heard.

Insider tips or "this is what we think is important".

1. The exchange in the reflective team is not meant to be a matter of everyone taking turns to share their observations. Rather, it is intended to create a dialogue through which the thoughts of the team members can develop further at the same time.
2. Reflection of thought is about the diversity of possible views, not about the best idea.
3. No advice is given.
4. Questions should be phrased carefully and in the subjunctive, e.g. "Could it be that ...?"

Attitude

If used incorrectly, the method can easily slide into giving "smart advice", criticizing the person seeking advice, or leading rampant monologues. To prevent this, respectful treatment is essential.
A helpful attitude to adopt is:

1. All perceptions are subjective
2. The person concerned is the expert for his own solution
3. Own ideas are not always useful for others
4. People are more willing to change if their personality is appreciated

By the way: For a better readability we change the gender form per method.