choosing the right ice breaker |

There exists an overwhelming range of ice breaker activities that
are used in many workplaces.
From a lightening fast ‘introduce each other’ to a long
winded, fastidiously facilitated session in group harmonics. It
is possible however to identify a few distinct types of popular
ice breaker ideas, each serving a function that of course, may not
necessarily be unique to it.
In this article we will discuss what you need to consider when
choosing your next icebreaker be it for a team meeting, a sales
rev up, or a training session.
The perfect Icebreaker
Deciding which Icebreaker is right for a situation is not anybody's
guess.
Pull a page at random out of some activity book and you are quite
likely to wish you were invisible the instant you announce what
you have in store for your audience.The good news is that there
are countless ways in which your icebreaker can work for you.
The bad news is that there are even more ways in which it can leave
you and your audience with a bitter taste in the mouth. And not
because you didn't use the chocolate. Here's a quick look at what
you should keep in mind while Choosing The Right Icebreaker.
Nature of the group
Older, easily exhaustible audiences may not appreciate an icebreaker
that require vigorous physical activity.If you are handling a cross
section of the hierarchy, keep things comfortably impersonal.
Time available
Icebreakers that are embedded in a day long meeting should generally
not exceed 15 minutes.Beyond that, the real purpose of the 'do'
might start becoming less obvious to your group than it should.If
you are dealing with a very large group, choose something that facilitates
total participation without eating into what would conventionally
be called productive time.
Effort/skill required
While an icebreaker can do a lot to foster creativity, it shouldn't
place too much impetus on particular skills required to attempt
it comfortably.Like say, a 'salsa dancing session'. Did I just hear
someone wince?
Keep it at general skills and easily played roles.
An icebreaker is no arena for evaluation. It is simply a way to
get things and people moving.
Been there before?
If you come across an icebreaker you've heard about or been subject
to before, ignore it.For the simple reason that half your audience
might have heard about it as well. You'll hear knowing chuckles
from every end of the room and God forbid if you made some unnecessary
changes!
Innovation is the name of the game. And that is where a little
customization serves its purpose.Besides, care in preparation convinces
your audience you are involved in the process and triggers off appreciation
and a greater sense of involvement.
Get set go
The real key to a perfect icebreaker is the actual execution. Making
sure props are handy, all materials required are in supply et al.
Any icebreaker that happens via borrowing of pens and sharing of
desk space is negligible and perhaps, best avoided. Clear instructions
and adequate encouragement are important.
The group needs to ensure that it is really a group and not just
a few hyperactive souls representing the rest.
Keep these pointers in mind while you look for great icebreaker
ideas as well as when you're actually out there orchestrating things.
Now for an icebreaker that can be used at the sales meeting or
rev session, before a team meeting and in the training environment.
It requires little preparation apart from some photocopying and
pens or markers for each participant.This was a favourite of mine
when training for long periods of time, as participants could use
the sheet again to communicate if the training was on target, if
they were tired, over it or simply that they were happy.
Contact us:
sales@sirensjewellery.com.au
Phone 1300 660 941
www.sirensjewellery.com.au
“Revel in your inner girliness”
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