LeadershipResourcesGuide

One-Way Communication Give each member of the group a sheet of paper. Make certain everyone has the same size sheet. Explain that they are to follow instructions precisely, and that they are not allowed to ask questions. AND, they are to follow the instructions with their eyes closed. State the instructions: 1. Fold the paper in half.

2. Rip off a corner. 3. Fold in half again. 4. Rip off a corner. 5. Fold again. 6. Rip off a corner. Have them open their eyes and compare their “design” with others.

Point of the exercise: One-way communication is never as effective as two-way; it gives different results. Point of the Exercise Script: I gave each of you the exact same directions, yet look how different the papers are!  You didn’t listen to me!  Y’all aren’t very bright!”. The participants will defend their creative decisions by saying your directions weren’t specific and that they weren’t allowed to ask clarifying questions.  Of course, they were allowed to ask questions, but they chose not to, just like some of them do in real life. When it comes to customer service and working with people, it’s always better to ask questions and maintain open dialogue.  If a person has to make an “original” decision, he or she should own that decision and not blame someone else for a lack of information. Five of Anything

Name Game Have all people attending the meeting write their names vertically on a piece of paper. Next to each letter of their names, they must write a word that starts with that letter that tells something about them. Have each person read their words. This requires some creative thinking, and participants can learn more about fellow employees. The Funniest Thing Ask group members to write down the funniest thing that happened to them or in their department since the last meeting. Put the responses in a bowl. Or just ask participants to share their stories.

Ask each person in the group to share their five favorite movies of all time, or their five favorite novels, or their five least liked films, and so forth. The topic can be five of anything - most liked or disliked. This ice breaker helps the group explore shared interests more broadly and sparks lots of discussion about why each person likes or dislikes their selected five. You can also use this ice breaker for topical discussion. As an example, in a session on team building, you might ask, “What are five dysfunctional behaviors you have experienced when participating on an unsuccessful team?” Or, “Think about the best team you have ever been on. What are five key factors that made it your best or most successful team?”

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