Troika Consulting

Get Practical and Imaginative Help from Colleagues Immediately (~30–35 min.)

“In seeking wisdom, the first step is silence, the second listening, the third remembering, the fourth practicing, the fifth—teaching others.”

— Ibn Gabriol

Purposes

In Troika Consulting, participants ask for help and get advice from two others in three rounds of “consultations.” This peer-to-peer coaching helps people gain insight into issues they face, spot biases, and tap local wisdom. It can be used to discover everyday solutions and refine prototypes. This is a simple and effective way to extend support beyond formal relationships. This structure embodying LS Principle #3, Build Trust as You Go.

Principle: Build Trust as You Go

Five Structural Elements—Min Specs

Structuring Invitation

“Often we feel like we’re facing our challenges alone. Let’s experience the power of sharing them with others.”

Space and Materials

Small groups of three chairs and no tables [breakouts of three].

Participation Distribution

Roles include host [tech host] and, in each group, a client and two consultants. Roles change each round. Minimum group size is three. Everyone is invited and has an equal opportunity to receive and give coaching.

Group Configuration

Trios, whole group

Steps and Time Allocation

Intro: Share the structuring invitation and have participants reflect on two questions: What is your challenge? What next steps do you have in mind and what kind of help do you need? (5 min.)

In Trios:

Present Your Challenge. Participants form trios [breakouts]. One participant, the “client,” shares their challenge and the next steps they’re considering. (1–2 min.)
Clarifying Questions. The other two participants, the “consultants,” ask questions to understand the challenge better. They do not judge or offer solutions. (1–2 min.)
Consultation/Silent Listening. The client turns away [turns off their video and mutes their mic] and listens silently while the consultants discuss their ideas. (4–5 min.)
Key Takeaways. The client turns back around [turns on camera and mic] and shares what they found most valuable. (1–2 min.)

Rounds 2 and 3: The group repeats these steps so each person gets to be a client. (7–10 min. per round)

All-Together Sharing: Everyone returns to plenary. A few people share their experiences. (2 min.)

Taking It Online

Troika works well online when clients turn off their camera and mic to simulate turning their back on the consultants.

Practice Insights

Tips

Show “back turning” with a quick demo and assure participants it is not rude. Encourage participants to form diverse groups so they can hear different perspectives on their challenge. If participants struggle or coaching doesn’t help the client make progress, do a second round with a new challenge.

Riffs and Variations

Nest with 15% Solutions: Have each client share a 15% Solution and ask for coaching. Restrict consultants to asking only questions (called Q-storming), or reduce the time for each step in a Speed Troika.

Practical Applications

Troika Consulting can be used at the start of a meeting to give and get help on important work, as a way for a project manager to get updates, or to build a culture of peer-to-peer learning in a classroom.