Activity
Reverse Leadership
Center of Quebec, Lanaudière, Laurentides, Monteregie, Outaouais, Region of Montreal, Region of Ottawa, Region of Quebec (City), TorontoActivity description
The “Reverse debriefing” is a leadership activity where roles are flipped: a team member temporarily takes on the role of leader during a mission (problem-solving, cooperative game, mini project, etc.) and then receives structured feedback from their colleagues.
This dynamic encourages deep self-awareness about one’s leadership style and fosters authentic sharing in a caring environment.
What does it impact ?
- Developing leadership and confidence : This activity allows participants to test out a leadership role, face the real impact of their decisions, and build confidence through reflection.
- Strengthening communication and sense of belonging : By practicing constructive and caring feedback, team members learn how to speak honestly with one another and reinforce their sense of cohesion.
What should the organizer prepare ?
- Choose a basic collaborative activity : construction, logic game, mini scenario, etc.
- Prepare a simple observation grid to guide the debrief.
- Brief participants on the principles of care and active listening.
- Set up a quiet space for post-activity sharing.
- If virtual, activate breakout rooms for smoother interactions.
How to achieve our goals on the big day ?
- Use an activity with a clear but achievable goal to foster group dynamics.
- Appoint a leader per session and rotate roles when possible.
- Encourage total silence from the leader during the feedback to foster deep listening.
- Use a board or sticky notes to write down strengths and areas for improvement.
- Invite the leader to share their honest reflections afterward.
- Wrap up with a group discussion on key takeaways from the experience.
When is the right context for this activity ?
- To help new leadership talents emerge within the team.
- Before a role change or taking on new responsibilities.
- To improve how colleagues give each other constructive feedback.
- When there’s a lack of self-awareness about one’s impact on the team.
Other benefits
- Requires no expensive materials or specific location.
- Can be easily facilitated remotely or in person.
- Encourages introspection and humility in a safe setting.
See what others have done 👋
- An HR team at SNCF appointed an intern as leader, who brilliantly managed the session, overturning expectations and revealing a budding coach!
- During a workshop in Lille, an administrative assistant took the reins of a complex logistics exercise. She nailed the mission in 10 minutes, while senior managers had struggled with it all morning!
- A project manager in Edmonton was moved to tears upon learning that his team felt deeply supported by his delegation style.
- At Airbus, a team used a color code during feedback : green for strengths, orange for uncertainties, red for areas to improve. Visual and impactful!
- In a design company in London, a shy illustrator led a creative workshop. Her time management and team motivation skills impressed everyone so much that the art director invited her to co-lead the next campaign!
Location : In person, Office activities, Virtual
Location : Center of Quebec, Lanaudière, Laurentides, Monteregie, Outaouais, Region of Montreal, Region of Ottawa, Region of Quebec (City), Toronto
Activity setting : Indoors, Outdoors
Group size : Up to 10 people, Up to 20 people
Activity languages : English, French
Price : Free
Duration : > 1hrs, 1-3 hrs
Difficulty level : Easy to pick up
Group size :
- Up to 10 people
- Up to 20 people
Supplier list (1)