Incident Method
Start: begin immediately. Prepare: save your settings for reuse.
An 8-step intervision technique where one participant brings a work situation and the group searches for insights together.
Activity
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Step-by-step instructions
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Steps
- The presenter states their question and describes the incident (without revealing how it ended).
- The group asks clarifying questions; the presenter answers factually.
- The group analyses the situation; the presenter listens.
- Each briefly shares in turn what they would do themselves (alternatives).
- The presenter responds and links it to the alternatives.
- Everyone formulates their insights; the group reflects on the session.
Settings
- Time per step (minutes) — optional. Set 0 for no timer. The method has 8 steps.
- Preparation: one participant brings a real work situation (case).
Tip: a practice case with AI
No real case at hand? Ask Microsoft Copilot: “Write a short, relatable work situation (an incident) about [topic/context] to practise the incident method.” Use it as a practice case.
Tips for the facilitator
Group of 4–8 participants. Pen and paper for each participant. One participant brings a real work situation.
- Give the presenter one minute before the session to write down their question — this helps them formulate it more sharply
- Appoint one participant as timekeeper so the facilitator can focus on the process
- Works online too: use a shared document to note alternatives in step 5
- Teachers who want to discuss a challenging situation with a student or parent
- Therapists, coaches or social workers stuck on a case
- Colleagues from the same profession who want to reflect on work situations together
Described in: Bellersen, M. & Kohlmann, I. Praktijkboek Intervisie (3rd ed.). Boom. Originally developed by Jan Hendriksen (1986).
Pairs well with
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