Two truths and a lie works well with in person teams.
For virtual teams, either a few simple questions (e.g. What is your favorite drink? Who is your favorite superhero), or a more visual one using a map of the world and having folks drop pins and share their favorite vacation destinations or something interesting about where they grew up.
For either in person or virtual teams, pairing or creating small groups within the team and having them create something in LEGO (or a Mr. Potato Head or a build-your-own monster) and present it to the rest of the team.
Julie, Using polling platforms such as Slido (if possible) can also help (speaking of working in a virtual environment or a hybrid environment). To engage stakeholders intentionally, we can ask questions like "From 1-10, what is your energy level today?" or "Which superpower would you like to have?" a) Flying b) Telepathy c) Invisibility d) Talking to animals Saving Changes...
Tara PapworthSenior Consultant| Millpond LtdChristchurch, Can, New Zealand
I did one recently where I asked people to draw an animal on a piece of paper without taking the pen off. They then had to name their animal and present to the group. It got a lot of laughs :)
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1 reply by Rami Kaibni
Sep 13, 2023 6:55 PM
Rami Kaibni
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Interesting Ice Breaker, Tara. I should consider this for my next meeting.
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Sep 13, 2023 5:26 PM
Replying to Tara Papworth
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I did one recently where I asked people to draw an animal on a piece of paper without taking the pen off. They then had to name their animal and present to the group. It got a lot of laughs :)
Interesting Ice Breaker, Tara. I should consider this for my next meeting. Saving Changes...
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Julie
For In-Person meetings, I usually use "The Quotes Game" as an ice breaker by asking each person about their favorite quote and why.
For virtual meetings with disbursed teams, I use the Geographical Map. We put a map online, have everyone mark where they come from and what is one or two unique things about that place.
They are both fun and you get to know your team better.
It depends.
Yes, I often do this. Generally, I use the recent stories and incidents. Saving Changes...
Julie IrvineAssociate Director| Kohler Healthcare ConsultingMd, United States
These are great ideas, thanks! The most recent icebreaker I facilitated was the "4 quadrants." I gave each person paper and crayons, and they split the paper into four quadrants and were given the assignment to draw a picture in each box ( what strength do you bring to the organization, what legacy do you want to help create through this organization, what is the one event that fundamentally shaped your life and one of the biggest obstacles you face at work). The team was very engaged, it gave them an opportunity to color and drop their formal guards and initiated great discussions around the obstacle question leading into our improvement initiative.
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1 reply by Rami Kaibni
Sep 14, 2023 12:08 PM
Rami Kaibni
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Julie, this is a great exercise. Maybe you can consider making one of the Quadrants where people write what they feel should change in the organization. This will help create a culture of transparency and an environment of psychological safety.
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Sep 14, 2023 9:20 AM
Replying to Julie Irvine
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These are great ideas, thanks! The most recent icebreaker I facilitated was the "4 quadrants." I gave each person paper and crayons, and they split the paper into four quadrants and were given the assignment to draw a picture in each box ( what strength do you bring to the organization, what legacy do you want to help create through this organization, what is the one event that fundamentally shaped your life and one of the biggest obstacles you face at work). The team was very engaged, it gave them an opportunity to color and drop their formal guards and initiated great discussions around the obstacle question leading into our improvement initiative.
Julie, this is a great exercise. Maybe you can consider making one of the Quadrants where people write what they feel should change in the organization. This will help create a culture of transparency and an environment of psychological safety.
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1 reply by Julie Irvine
Sep 14, 2023 5:31 PM
Julie Irvine
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Great idea, thank you!
Saving Changes...
Julie IrvineAssociate Director| Kohler Healthcare ConsultingMd, United States
Sep 14, 2023 12:08 PM
Replying to Rami Kaibni
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Julie, this is a great exercise. Maybe you can consider making one of the Quadrants where people write what they feel should change in the organization. This will help create a culture of transparency and an environment of psychological safety.
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