Learning Moments

A playful group conversation to spark insight and action

After sharing my personal “Pixies” stories, I thought it’d be helpful to show how this playful practice can be used in group settings. Whether you’re facing creative blockages, conflicting decisions, or just want to surface hidden assumptions, “Talking with Pixies” is a simple yet powerful way to gain clarity.

“Talking with Pixies” is played in small groups of three people, with one person sharing a challenge and then being the Listener, while the other two act as chatty Pixies. There are two types of Pixies: The Innovator Pixy, who holds a radical change perspective, and the Protector Pixy, who holds a preservation perspective. The Listener is curious to hear what the Pixies have to say.

Let’s start with an example of how the conversation might go in a group:

The Listener asks: “We’re at a crossroads—should we prioritize offering our workshops online, reaching a global audience, or focus on face-to-face formats, where personal interaction and connection might be stronger?”

In the first conversation, the *Innovator Pixies* are enthusiastic. “Online is the future,” one Pixie asserts. “We can reach anyone, anywhere, and grow faster than ever.” The second Pixie adds, “Exactly, plus think of the savings—no venues, no travel. And it’s more efficient! We can do more with less hassle and reduce our carbon footprint.”

The *Protector Pixies* see it differently. “Face-to-face builds real trust and deeper connections,” one argues. “People are tired of being stuck behind screens all the time.” The second Pixie nods, adding, “And some activities just don’t work online. We’d lose the hands-on engagement and the energy you get when people are in the same space.”

Here’s how to apply “Talking with Pixies” in a group setting:

Step-by-step guide

“Talking with Pixies” is a whispering exercise you can do both onsite and online (for online, you’ll need breakout rooms; see the instructions in the steps). The timing is relatively short but sufficient.

1-Get ready: Invite everyone to think about a meaningful yet unfulfilled personal goal. Ask, “What’s a meaningful change you haven’t pursued?”
Time: 1 min.

2-Introduction: Introduce the roles of the listener and two types of Pixies and explain the process, the best is to demonstrate it with an example.
Time: 2 min.

3-Split into groups of three: Invite participants to form groups of three. One person volunteers to be the first ‘Listener’, and the other two are the ‘Pixies’. Remark: You will play the game three times so everyone gets a turn as the Listener. 
Time: 1 min.
Online: Send groups of three into breakout rooms.

4-Share: The Listener shares their goal with the Pixies, who can ask clarifying questions.
Time: 3 min.
Online: Groups of three in breakout rooms

5-Play the first round (‘Protector Pixies’): The Pixies position themselves to the right side of the Listener, close to their ear, and start discussing reasons why the Listener should play it safe and not make progress on their goal.
Time: 4 min.
Online: The Listener switches off the webcam and mutes the microphone.

6-Play the second round (‘Innovator Pixies’): Pixies position themselves to the left side of the Listener, close to their ear, and start discussing reasons why the listener should go for it and make progress towards this goal.
Time: 4 min.
Online: The Listener keeps the webcam switched off and the microphone muted

7-Sharing: The listener reflects on the Pixy dialogue and shares their thoughts: What was it like? Any surprises or discoveries in the internal chatter?
Time: 3 min.
Online: The Listener keeps the webcam switched off and the microphone muted

8-Repeat: Change roles and repeat the process (steps 4-7) with the 2nd and 3rd Listeners.

9-Debrief: Allow time for a debrief or personal check-in, such as journaling.

Twists

• Have the Innovator Pixy engage in dialogue with another Pixy (that’s the version described here), or let the Innovator and Protector Pixies discuss directly, each on one side of the Listener’s ear. This version might be less conversational and more black-and-white.
• Alternatively, let the Pixies chat simultaneously for a fun “Pixy waterfall” effect. Adjust the timing to 1 minute for this playful version (e.g., at the end of a workshop).

Have you tried to play with the ‘Pixy Committee’ with a group? Share your story or thoughts in the comments below!

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The bit at the end

Exciting events on the horizon to support your exploration:

• Exciting events on the horizon to support your exploration:
• The last Renewal Cafe of this year will take place on Thursday, December 12 at 16:00 CET. The topic is Welcoming New Thoughts: Creative Ideas for the Future (this is a ticketed event).
• I invite you to join the upcoming Unhurried Conversation, sign up here for free.
• Subscribe below to my newsletter for timely updates delivered straight to your inbox.

Reach out,  I’m always open for a chat.
Creatively,
Nadia

P.S.The paintings featured on the blog are my own.