Business Tips: Icebreakers

Icebreakers are techniques I use in the first session of training courses, to help reduce tension and anxiety. Below are just a few, depending on the participants.

It is important to remember, that not all icebreakers will be suitable for a particular course or individual participants.


Name Tag Match Maker
Each group member will need a 5" x 7" card for a name tag. Then give the following directions:

Put your name in the centre of your card. In the upper left corner, write four things that you like to do.

In the upper right corner, write your four favourite singers or groups.

In the lower left corner, write your four favourite movies.

In the lower right corner, write four adjectives that describe you.

When everyone finishes, have them mingle with the group for a few minutes. Without talking, they are to read the upper left corner of the other group members' cards.

When time is up, they are to find one or two people who are most like them and visit for a few minutes.

When time is up, they are to mingle again reading the upper right corner of the other group members' cards. They then find the one or two people most like them and visit. Repeat with the lower left corner and lower right corner information.

To make sure everyone visits with several people, you could implement a rule that no two people can be in the same group more than once.

Who Am I?
For this activity you will need one sticky note per person. On each note write the name of a celebrity, political figure, cartoon character, book character, etc. You can choose one category or mix them up. Use a different person for each note.

Place a sticky note on the back (or forehead) of each participant. The participants are to figure out who they are, but can only do so in the following manner. Find a partner and read each other's sticky notes. You may ask the other person three questions to which there are yes or no answers.

Once your questions have been asked and answered, make a guess as to your identity. If you are correct, move the sticky note to your chest and you become a "consultant" who gives clues to those still trying to figure out their identities. If you are not correct, find a new partner and repeat the process.

The Magic Wand
You have just found a magic wand that allows you to change three work related activities. You can change anything you want. How would you change yourself, your job, your boss, co-workers, an important project, etc.? Have them discuss why it is important to make the change. Another variation is to have them discuss what they would change if they become the boss for a month. This activity helps them to learn about others' desires and frustrations.

Marooned
You are marooned on a island. What five (you can use a different number, such as seven, depending upon the size of each team) items would you have brought with you if you knew there was a chance that you might be stranded. Note that they are only allowed five items per team, not per person. You can have them write their items on a flip chart and discuss and defend their choices with the whole group. This activity helps them to learn about other's values and problem solving styles and promotes teamwork.

For further information on training courses, contact Mike Hitchen Consulting