Share thisLast month in this column, the use and misuse of icebreakers was discussed. This month, the theme continues with a look at some tried and true icebreakers and training activities; in the process I’ll review a book chock full of some very creative ideas to spice up and energize training and presentations.
Before selecting an engaging activity, identify both the audience type and the purpose of the training. The better you identify and categorize the group, the more useful the experience will be. A working knowledge of company dynamics is also helpful as you plan.
Some things to consider:
- What is the workplace status of the participants?Are they essentially level or is a hierarchy present? How stratified are they?
- Do they work in the same area or in different departments? Do those departments normally interact? Are those interactions good or bad?
- What is the age range of participants?
- Are there cross-cultural considerations?
- Are there dominant personalities or wallflowers in the group?
- What is the purpose of the training? Selecting an activity to lead into or reinforce the subject matter to be discussed is a classic and effective strategy for trainers.
As examples, here are a few specific activities aligned with training goals. These activities differ from icebreakers, which are primarily used to energize the audience at the beginning of a program. This list is by no means comprehensive, but can provide some ideas for activity selection.
Is the focus of the group problem-solving or brainstorming?
Try an exercise to stimulate creativity. Creative writing is one way to get the attendees to think outside the box. For example, provide the group with paper, pencil, and a coin and ask them to write the life story of the coin in five minutes or less. Be sure to instruct them to be as creative as they can be. At the end of the exercise, discuss their level of comfort with creativity, and how important creativity can be in their jobs. Other common objects can be utilized for this exercise, which highlights the idea that anyone can be creative.
Is the organization trying to integrate departments or other groups together?
Team building exercises are a good place to begin. There are many team building exercises, too many to select just one, but they all have one thing in common—a real world example of how a group of people focused on a goal can accomplish so much more than a single individual or a number of individuals working separately.
Is improved customer service the goal?
Try an exercise to define a “great customer experience” by listing what it should look, feel, and sound like. This activity can be done as a large group or as small teams. If teams are used, bring them back to report to the larger group the focus of their discussions. Compile a list, and then discuss it. Look for agreement or objections from the group.With this activity, a number of avenues of discussion are possible, including focusing on the opposite and discussing bad customer service. A caution here; this subject needs to be tightly controlled so as not to become a “can you top this?” story hour of customer service horrors.
Are there communication issues that inhibit productivity?
Address communication from both directions, using “sending” and “receiving” exercises. One insightful exercise demonstrates how perception intrudes on reality. In this exercise, the audience hears one side of a conversation. They discuss what they think might be happening, based on what they were able to hear. Then the full conversation is revealed. Subsequent discussion can focus on instances where perception has altered reality and the consequences of making assumptions based on what you think you know.