Icebreaker games are essential tools for fostering positive interactions and building team dynamics in small team training workshops and meetings.
They help break the ice, encourage participation, and create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. We hear this from customers who have ordered our full set of courses.
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Here’s a guide on some quick and effective icebreaker games that you can use to energize and engage your small team during such sessions.
- Two Truths and a Lie:
Objective: To encourage team members to share information about themselves while having some fun guessing the lie.
Instructions:
a. Each team member takes turns sharing three statements about themselves: two truths and one lie. Explore our list of 80 sample two truths and lies.
b. The rest of the team tries to guess which statement is the lie.
c. After guessing, the person reveals the lie and shares a short story or explanation for each statement. - Human Bingo:
Objective: To encourage team members to interact with each other and find common interests.
Instructions:
a. Create a bingo card with various characteristics or hobbies, such as “Loves hiking,” “Speaks more than two languages,” etc.
b. Distribute the bingo cards to each team member.
c. The team members have to mingle and find colleagues who match each characteristic, then ask them to sign in the respective box.
d. The first person to get a complete line or fill the entire card shouts “Bingo!”. Check out our post on virtual team building bingo. - The Marshmallow Challenge:
Objective: To promote teamwork, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
Instructions:
a. Divide the team into small groups and provide each group with a handful of marshmallows and some toothpicks.
b. Instruct the teams to build the tallest free-standing structure they can using only marshmallows and toothpicks within a time limit (e.g., 10-15 minutes).
c. After the time is up, have each team present their structure and explain their approach. - Deserted Island Scenario:
Objective: To encourage creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration in a survival scenario.
Instructions:
a. Present the team with a scenario where they are stranded on a deserted island.
b. Ask the team to work together and make a list of the 5-10 most important items they would bring to survive and explain why.
c. After they discuss and compile their lists, each group presents their choices and reasoning. - Speed Networking:
Objective: To allow team members to get to know each other in a fast-paced environment.
Instructions:
a. Set up two lines of chairs facing each other, with team members seated opposite each other.
b. Give the team members a set time (e.g., 2 minutes) to introduce themselves and share something about their hobbies, interests, or work.
c. After the time is up, one line of chairs moves one seat to the right, and the process repeats with new partners.
d. Continue until everyone has had a chance to interact with several team members. Read more about getting to know you icebreakers.
Conclusion:
Incorporating these quick icebreaker games in your training workshops and meetings for small teams can improve team bonding, communication, and overall engagement. Remember that the goal is to create a positive and relaxed atmosphere, so choose games that suit the team’s preferences and the overall purpose of the session.
Always debrief afterward to encourage reflection and highlight key takeaways from the icebreaker activities.
With these icebreakers, you’ll set a lively tone and set your small team up for a successful and enjoyable session.
With 30+ years of experience, Catherine Fitzgerald, B.A., M.A., PGDip, founded Oak Innovation in 1995. Catherine received her Bachelor’s degree and Master’s from University College Cork. She holds qualifications in Professional Development And Training from University College Galway. She is completing a second Master’s from University College Cork. Since 1995, clients include Apple, Time Warner, and Harvard University.