Socratic Cards

Socratic

Cards

Pro Edition

Socratic Cards: Pro Edition

Socratic Cards starts as a fun social game or icebreaker, and grows into a heroic journey of leadership, meaning, and mentors.

How? This five minute video takes you through the basics of the Pro Edition. (And it includes more examples of Socratic Cards.)

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Standard Edition and Pro Edition—in poker sized cards—shipping now.

Socratic Cards — Standard Edition

50 cards with Socratic questions.

$25 + free U.S. shipping

Socratic Cards — Pro Edition

100 cards with Socratic questions and challenges for the Mentor Path.

$55 + free U.S. shipping

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are Socratic Cards?

Socratic Cards (Pro Edition) reimagines leadership development, and how we teach and learn anything. Rather than using lectures and worksheets, Socratic Cards uses engaging questions and real world challenges . Rather than forcing a time frame, Socratic Cards lets learners grow at their own pace. Rather than using competition and fear, Socratic Card uses comradery and inspiration. Which is why Socratic Cards actually works. Socratic Cards can be hosted by instructors, leaders, or by any individuals who want to grow.

Is Socratic Cards a game?

Socratic Cards comes with directions to play it either as a simple game or a deeper, more transformative experience with more value and real-world stakes.

What is the difference between the Standard and Pro Editions?

The Standard Edition is designed for social settings, friends, and family. The Pro Edition is tailored for leadership, team building, and professional coaching, featuring more questions than the Standard Edition, and specific challenges. The Pro Edition is perfect for giving to new managers, customers, graduates, and anyone who wants to grow.

Who designed Socratic Cards?

Socratic Cards were developed by Clark Aldrich with his long-time editor Muffy Aldrich based on collaborations with high performing leaders across sectors.

What is the philosophy behind the deck?

The deck is structured around models of growth and purpose that align with John Wooden (as popularized by Ted Lasso), Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey, and Charlie Munger’s mental models. To do this, each card focuses on one or more of the following: Using Time Well; Achieving Excellence; Finding Your Calling; Mental Models; Reducing Drama (in a group); Building Habits; and Increasing Energy (and fun) of a group. The focus of the card is tagged in the Pro Edition.

Does playing Socratic Cards develop skills, such as active listening, critical thinking, empathy, and communication?

Absolutely. The more you play Socratic Cards, either as a host or a participant, the better you will get at these essential leadership skills.

Can I purchase in bulk for my organization?

We offer tiered pricing for corporate workshops, use in marketing, and large-scale organizational rollouts. Custom cards can be added and/or the backs of the card can include your branding. Please contact us ✉ for a custom quote.

Socratic Cards Directions

Phase I: Play and (re)build meaningful connections

Tap to expand.

Play it like a social game or icebreaker.

With a group, start by asking the high energy question. Poll everyone for their immediate reaction, then discuss.

Start each business meeting (or class) with a single Socratic question for four weeks. Watch everyone grow more connected and engaged.

Or with friends, play through four or five questions at a gathering.

Normalize asking real questions
Normalize participation
Normalize high energy

While simple, these high energy questions are really calls to adventure.

Rules

Before the gathering, the Host selects the cards to use and the order.
At the gathering, Host reads the top Socratic question.
Everyone declares a position (usually by show of hands).
The Host probes, such as asking “why?”, “what are examples or experiences you have had?”,”how could someone test it?”—and the group asks questions of each other.
[Optional] Each participant awards one point (or a character callout) to the participant who made the most insightful comment (the bon mot).
Repeat for the agreed number of questions.

Phase II: Grow through completing challenges, and make the world your playground

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Play over days and weeks, using biweekly or weekly gatherings.

Take on challenges that speak to you, and encourage the people around you to make real world progress as well.

The middle "catalyst" question and optional bottom activity on each Pro Edition card provide real ways to matter more at work and home. And even make workplaces a bit more like Ted Lasso's (or John Wooden's).

Normalize making progress on the journeys that matter
Normalize community strengthening
Normalize running experiments to answer important questions

Easy challenges return more energy than they cost to complete, and harder challenges return even more energy.

Rules

At the beginning of the gathering, anyone who completed a previous challenge shares their experience.
Engage in a group discussion of the top Socratic question (from the card chosen by the host).
Engage in a group discussion of the middle "catalyst" question.
Present the optional challenge from the bottom of the card.
Participants may choose to commit to the presented challenge or select a different one (or do nothing) then or after the meeting concludes.

Phase III: Lead by taking the Mentor Path, and test-drive your inner hero

Tap to expand.

Play over weeks or months.

Imagine a culture that rigorously develops mentors and leaders, where people regularly take on greater challenges to become more powerful and improve their community.

The Socratic Cards Pro Edition include a viral Mentor Path that any group can use to propagate a trackable transformation.

Normalize asking for help
Normalize mentoring others
Normalize a culture that improves itself and its members

The Mentor Path lays out predicable and achievable steps to a total transformation, powered by fun and growth.

▶ Learn more about The Mentor Path

Socratic Cards Pro Edition can be used for a viral “Mentor Path” for communities with members who want to lead and help others grow. Participants follow a clear, four-step progression: 1. Complete two Level 1 challenges 2. Complete two Level 2 challenges, with mentor sign-off 3. Complete two Level 3 challenges, with mentor sign-off 4. As a mentor, sign off on six challenges for others Participants choose their own challenges and ask mentors to validate real work—creating a trackable, community-driven development loop.