explore · Feedback · 15–30 min · 3-40 people · medium energy

Helping Heuristics

Helping Heuristics helps participants understand their interaction patterns when giving or receiving help. Through a series of short, structured interactions, participants explore different approaches to offering and accepting assistance, fostering self-awareness and improved collaboration.

When to use Helping Heuristics

Use this method when you want to improve team dynamics around support, address ineffective helping patterns, or enhance interprofessional coordination.

What it solves

Premature solutions, unsolicited advice, mistrust, or a reluctance to ask for help.

How to run Helping Heuristics, step by step

  1. Explain the activity and roles (client, coach, observer). Groups of three. (2 min)
  2. Round 1: Client shares a challenge. Coach practices 'Quiet Presence' (compassionate listening). Observer notes interactions. (2 min)
  3. Round 2: Client shares a challenge. Coach practices 'Guided Discovery' (asking questions for mutual discovery). Observer notes interactions. (2 min)
  4. Round 3: Client shares a challenge. Coach practices 'Loving Provocation' (offering advice, accepting and blocking as needed). Observer notes interactions. (2 min)
  5. Round 4: Client shares a challenge. Coach and client practice 'Process Mindfulness' (working collaboratively, noticing novel possibilities). Observer notes interactions. (2 min)
  6. Debrief: Discuss the impact of each helping pattern from the perspectives of the client, coach, and observer. (5 min)

Materials needed

  • Timer
  • Optional: Handout describing the four helping patterns

Facilitator tips

  • Encourage participants to switch roles in each round.
  • Emphasize the importance of trust and humble inquiry.
  • After the initial cycle, allow trios to focus on patterns they want to explore further.

Common pitfalls

  • Participants may struggle to fully embrace the different helping patterns.
  • Some participants may feel uncomfortable giving or receiving feedback.

Variations

  • Invite participants to create a personal profile identifying their default patterns and areas for growth.
  • Incorporate the helping progression into other Liberating Structures like Troika Consulting or Wise Crowds.

Running it online or hybrid

Use breakout rooms for trios and a shared document for debriefing.

What it produces

Increased awareness of personal helping patterns and identification of opportunities for growth.

Origin

Developed by Henri Lipmanowicz and Keith McCandless, inspired by Edgar Schein — source

Build a session around Helping Heuristics

METODIC places Helping Heuristics inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.

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