Teamwork Remote Delivery - Icebreakers

Time:
The exercise will take about 20 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 30 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To explore the importance of trust and how easily it is lost.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• Nothing other than the materials provided, though you might like to send small prizes to participants in the ‘winning’ team.

Notes:
This provides an interesting insight into how tribalism, based on fear, is created and the implications of that. This activity works best with groups of up to about 8 participants. If you have a large group of 10 or more, we recommend splitting them into 2 smaller groups for the activity.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Breakout Rooms (required).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 10 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 15 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To reflect on how well participants work together in a competitive situation.
• To re-energise a group.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Anyone.

You'll Need:
• The Activity Link and PIN.
• The PowerPoint example slide.

Notes:
This game is best played in teams with between 3 and 5 participants in each.

Please note, this exercise may not be suitable if you have participants who suffer from colour-blindness, or who are visually impaired.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 10 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 20 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To test participants accuracy under pressure when working in teams.
• To reflect on how they could have improved their performance.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Anyone.

You'll Need:
• The Activity Link and PIN.
• The PowerPoint slides of examples.

Notes:
This game is best played in teams with 3-5 participants in each.

Please note, this exercise may not be suitable if you have participants who suffer from colour-blindness, or who are visually impaired.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 10 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 25 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To explore how accurate participants can be when working under pressure.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Anyone.

You'll Need:
• The Activity Link and PIN.
• The PowerPoint slides of examples.

Notes:
This is a more demanding version of the Colour Confusion activities that can be used as a follow-on.

This game is best played in teams with 2-3 participants in each.

Please note, this exercise may not be suitable if you have participants who suffer from colour-blindness, or who are visually impaired.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 15 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 30 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To encourage participants to think about where things go wrong.
• To identify behaviours to avoid.
• To encourage discussion about the behaviour(s) being explored in the following training.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• Nothing other than the materials provided.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 10 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 20 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To energise a group.
• To test remote participants’ abilities to work together quickly to solve a simple problem.
• To introduce the concept of continuous improvement.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
All participants.

You'll Need:
• Nothing other than the materials provided.

Notes:
This simple activity is one you can return to several times in your training to demonstrate the principles of continuous improvement. For smaller groups, we recommend using the anagram approach; for larger groups, you can use the alternative approach where you simply allocate each participant a number.

This activity uses functionality in Zoom. If using other tools, you may need to check the hands up functionality and the impact it has on how participants appear on screen.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 15 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 30 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To encourage participants to think about the culture of their team or organisation.
• To identify the positive aspects of the team or organisation.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• The PowerPoint Handout provided.

Notes:
Small prizes would be a nice touch but are not essential.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).
• Collaborative Whiteboard (not required).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 15 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 35 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To test team’s abilities to think laterally and work together to solve a problem.
• To test teamwork and communication.
• To illustrate the benefits of looking for long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• A stopwatch or timer to regulate the team discussions.
• The Activity Links and your PIN.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).
• Collaborative Whiteboard (not required).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 10 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 25 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To encourage participants to consider how to gather information effectively and accurately, through effective questioning.
• To explore the importance of choosing questions that provide an opportunity to build on existing knowledge.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• Nothing other than the materials provided.

Notes:
We don’t recommend using this activity in groups of more than 12 participants.

This activity has been tested using Zoom and, as it requires use of the annotation tools, it’s recommended that you use that platform to run it. (At the time of writing, it is not compatible with Teams.)

There is a handout that explains how to use the annotation tools in Zoom, if required.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Breakout Rooms (required).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 10 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 25 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To test participants’ communication in a fun way and identify areas for improvement.
• To consider the impact poor communication can have on performance levels.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• A timer/stopwatch.
• An online whiteboard or similar to record the scores.
• The ability to share the Pie PowerPoint slide/image on screen for participants to add their fruit (stamps) to.

And for each pair of participants:
• The Pie Map Handouts.
• The ability to annotate a file shared on screen with a ‘Stamp’, similar to that provided in Zoom.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (not required).
• Collaborative Whiteboard (not required).

Time:
This exercise will take about 15 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 35 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To test participants ability to work together to solve a communication challenge.
• To encourage participants to think about communication and the importance of being able to communicate with others.
• To consider the importance of checking understanding and taking your whole team with you when change occurs.

Group Size:
Suitable for use with groups of up to 12 participants.

Useful For:
Staff of all levels.

You'll Need:
Nothing other than the materials provided.

Notes:
This icebreaker is a useful introduction to any training around teamwork, communication, change, resilience or problem solving.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (optional).
• Breakout Rooms (essential).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 5 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 15 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To explore how participants perceive their role in the team.
• To allow participants to share what they think they personally contribute to the team.
• To understand the importance of diversity within a successful team.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Pre-existing teams.

Notes:
This exercise is designed for pre-existing teams, and especially those that may need to work more effectively together. If you have more than 10 participants, you may need to allow extra time.

We recommend using Miro for this activity, though you could, if you prefer, ask participants to create a PowerPoint slide that represents their contribution to the team.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (not required).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 15 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 20 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To identify the things that we have in common with the rest of the group.
• Explain how finding connections can help to break down barriers and build relationships more quickly.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

Notes:
This is a great exercise to get people talking and identify how we can all connect quickly and easily.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (not required).
• Collaborative Whiteboard (required depending on your delivery method).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 10 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 25 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To test participant’s problem-solving skills.
• To explore the different behaviours employed when solving problems.
• To identify how these behaviours can impact team performance.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Anyone.

You'll Need:
• The PowerPoint slides (Handouts and Solution) ready to send to, or share with, participants.

Notes:
This icebreaker works best when participants are split into teams of 2 or 3. It is fine for different teams to have the same puzzle.

There is another module which uses the same activity as this but in a different way. This icebreaker focuses on Problem Solving skills, whereas the other is a course module, ‘Letters Get Better’, which focuses on Continuous Improvement.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 15 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 20 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To introduce participants in a fun way.
• To encourage people to think about how we communicate nonverbally.
• To encourage participants to begin to think about the important role of body language, tone and pitch in communication.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• To ask participants in advance of the training to share one unusual fact about themselves.

Notes:
Based on the UK gameshow ‘Would I Lie to You?’, this is a fun way to introduce any training, but is particularly appropriate as an introduction around training linked to communication and body language. It can even be used to introduce equality and diversity training as it provides a way to make the point that there is more to people than we see on the surface and for participants to make assumptions about others in the group.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (optional).
• Breakout Rooms (not required).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 15 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 30 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To introduce participants in a fun way.
• To encourage people to think about how we communicate nonverbally.
• To encourage participants to begin to think about the important role of body language, tone and pitch in communication.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• To ensure participants have access to plain paper and marker/thick pens.

Notes:
This exercise is ideally suited for use as an icebreaker for team training and teambuilding events. It can also provide an interesting introduction to any session on body language.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (not required).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 20 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 30 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To get participants working together, sharing knowledge and problem solving.
• To test participants’ team decision skills and their ability to think strategically.
• To enable participants to find out a little more about each other, in particular about the places they’ve visited in Europe.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• Nothing other than the materials provided.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).
• Collaborative Whiteboard (not required).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 20 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 30 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To get participants into a creative and energetic state.
• To illustrate the value of short, sharp periods of creativity and idea generation.
• To launch the training with some fun.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• The Activity Link and your PIN from Trainers’ Library.

Notes:
Although this activity can be run with teams using PowerPoint to design their hats, it’s much better if you can give them access to a collaborative space, such as a board in Miro.

For more information on using Miro, follow this link.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).
• Collaborative Whiteboard (recommended).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 10 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 30 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To identify key things required for remote teams to work successfully together.

Group Size:
This module can be used with individuals as well as groups of up to 12 participants.

Useful For:
Those who currently work in Remote Teams. It is also particularly well suited to those that are about to start working remotely. It is best run with complete teams, but you could also run it with those responsible for managing a Remote Team.

Notes:
This is a useful icebreaker/introduction to remote working for those who haven’t worked in remote teams before, or for those who want to strengthen their remote teams.

You might wish to follow this module up with Remote Rules.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Breakout Rooms.