diverge · Problem Solving, Feedback, Team Building · 30 min · 3-40 people · medium energy

Troika Consulting

Troika Consulting is a rapid peer-to-peer coaching method that helps individuals gain fresh perspectives and practical advice on their challenges. It leverages the collective wisdom of the group to unlock solutions and build trust through mutual support.

When to use Troika Consulting

Use this method when you need to quickly generate diverse ideas and support individual problem-solving within a group, especially when formal coaching resources are limited.

What it solves

Siloed thinking, lack of diverse perspectives, individual struggles without readily available support.

How to run Troika Consulting, step by step

  1. Invite participants to form groups of three. Explain that each person will take turns being the 'client' while the others are 'consultants'. (2 min)
  2. The first client shares their challenge and the kind of help they need. (1-2 min)
  3. The consultants ask clarifying questions to fully understand the client's situation. (1-2 min)
  4. The client turns their back to the consultants. The consultants then generate ideas, suggestions, and coaching advice for the client while the client listens. (4-5 min)
  5. The client turns back around and shares what was most valuable about the experience. (1-2 min)
  6. Rotate roles so each person gets a turn as the client. Repeat steps 2-5. (10-12 min per round)

Materials needed

  • Chairs (arranged in groups of three)
  • Timer
  • Optional: Notepaper for consultants

Facilitator tips

  • Encourage participants to form groups with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
  • Remind consultants to focus on respectfully provoking the client by sharing what they see that the client might not.

Common pitfalls

  • Consultants jumping to conclusions or giving unsolicited advice. Remind them to ask clarifying questions first.
  • Clients getting defensive or dismissing the advice. Encourage them to focus on what resonates and is actionable.

Variations

  • Restrict the coaching to generating only questions to clarify the challenge (Q-Storming).
  • Combine with '15% Solutions' where each client shares a 15% Solution and asks for coaching.

Running it online or hybrid

Use breakout rooms for troika groups and a shared document for consultants to record ideas.

What it produces

Actionable insights and potential solutions for each participant's challenge, documented by the consulting group.

Origin

Developed by Henri Lipmanowicz and Keith McCandless — source

Build a session around Troika Consulting

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

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