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Attitude and Mindset Icebreakers and Energisers

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The behaviours we adopt in any given situation are the result of our attitude and mindset combined with our knowledge and skills. This section looks at attitude and provides tools to help people think more positively and constructively.

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A Different View - Who Has the Right Perspective?

Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 15 minutes.

Aims:
• To demonstrate that our perspective on a situation might be very different to someone else’s and that this does not necessarily mean one party is ‘right’ and one is ‘wrong’.

About

Time:
This exercise will take about 10 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 15 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To demonstrate that our perspective on a situation might be very different to someone else’s and that this does not necessarily mean one party is ‘right’ and one is ‘wrong’.

Group Size:
Can be used with groups of up to 25 participants.

Useful For:
Anyone.

You'll Need:
• Copies of the house pictures provided.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

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Handout

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Alien Invasion - The Fragility of Trust

Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 30 minutes.

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

About

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

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

Group Size:
Suitable for use with groups of almost any size.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• A whistle or bell (optional) to let the group know when to stop.
• A selection of small prizes.

Notes:
This provides an interesting insight into how tribalism, based on fear, is created and the implications of that.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this icebreaker available in Trainers’ Library.

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Attitude and Mindset Word Search

Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 15 minutes.

Aims:
• To help participants identify some of the key themes they’ll be exploring in the forthcoming training around attitude and mindset.

About

Time:
This exercise will take about 10 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 15 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To help participants identify some of the key themes they’ll be exploring in the forthcoming training around attitude and mindset.

Group Size:
This module is suitable for use with groups of almost any size.

Useful For:
Anyone attending a course or workshop that focuses on attitude and mindset.

You'll Need:
• A printed copy of the large (A3) Trainer version of the Word Search grid provided, affixed to a flipchart.

Notes:
A small prize for the winning team would be nice, though not essential.

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A3 Trainer Copy
Handout

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Attitudes Attract - Thinking Positively about Sales

Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 20 minutes.

Aims:
• To explore participants' feelings towards their role in sales.
• To help participants realise that others may share these feelings.
• To help participants identify how they want to feel by the end of the course.

About

Time:
This exercise will take about 15 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 20 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To explore participants' feelings towards their role in sales.
• To help participants realise that others may share these feelings.
• To help participants identify how they want to feel by the end of the course.

Group Size:
Suitable for use with groups of up to 20 participants.

You'll Need:
• Blank sheets of A4 paper.
• Pens/pencils with which to draw.

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Bouncing Back – The Nature of Resilience

Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 20 minutes.

Aims:
• To define the term 'personal resilience'.
• To explore some of the characteristics of resilience.
• To list some elements that help create resilience.

About

Time:
This exercise will take about 10 minutes to run. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 20 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To define the term 'personal resilience'.
• To explore some of the characteristics of resilience.
• To list some elements that help create resilience.

Group Size:
This module is suitable for use with groups of almost any size.

You'll Need:
• A bouncy rubber ball for each participant.
• Plenty of space to run the exercise.

Notes:
This can be a particularly useful exercise for anyone facing potentially difficult change. Make sure you have a safe place to run this exercise.

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Change: The Way I Am Feeling...

Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 20 minutes.

Aims:
• To help participants identify their own feelings towards change.
• To recognise that these feelings may be shared by others.
• To identify how participants would like to be feeling by the end of the course.

About

Time:
This exercise will take about 15 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 20 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To help participants identify their own feelings towards change.
• To recognise that these feelings may be shared by others.
• To identify how participants would like to be feeling by the end of the course.

Group Size:
This exercise is suitable for use with groups of up to 20 participants.

You'll Need:
• Blank sheets of A4 paper.
• Pens/pencils with which to draw.

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Course Introduction - A Basic Introduction to Training Events

Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 30 minutes.

Aims:
• To welcome the participants.
• To introduce the facilitator(s) and participants to each other.
• To introduce the facilities.
• To agree the course objectives and timetable.

About

Time:
This exercise will take about 25 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 30 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To welcome the participants.
• To introduce the facilitator(s) and participants to each other.
• To introduce the facilities.
• To agree the course objectives and timetable.

Group Size:
This module is suitable for use with groups of almost any size.

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

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Handout
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Creating Your Environment - Positive Thinking

Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 20 minutes.

Aims:
• To explore how a positive mindset impacts on motivation and performance.
• To create a positive state for the day ahead.

About

Time:
This exercise will take about 15 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 20 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• Explore how a positive mindset impacts on motivation and performance.
• To create a positive state for the day ahead.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 20 participants.

You'll Need:
• Small plain postcards for each participant and coloured pencils or pens.

Notes:
Pre-prepare a flipchart with the words, “Creating the right environment for your day is in your mind.” Do not reveal it until the end.

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Creative Connections - Me, Myself and I

Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 20 minutes.

Aims:
• To allow participants to articulate their own ideas about their strengths and what they can bring to the group.
• To understand how others in the group think of themselves and their strengths.

About

Time:
This exercise will take about 15 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 20 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To allow participants to articulate their own ideas about their strengths and what they can bring to the group.
• To understand how others in the group think of themselves and their strengths.

Group Size:
Suitable for use with groups of almost any size.

You'll Need:
• A box of random items – enough to give every participant a choice.

Notes:
This is a great exercise to use where you want to encourage participants to think creatively.

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Creative Drawing - Artistic Problem Solving

Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 25 minutes.

Aims:
• Explore how participants can take a more creative approach to problem solving.
• Demonstrate a creative way for participants to share their workplace challenges.

About

Time:
This exercise will take about 5 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 25 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• Explore how participants can take a more creative approach to problem solving.
• Demonstrate a creative way for participants to share their workplace challenges.

Group Size:
This activity can be used with groups of between 25 participants.

Useful For:
Anyone.

You'll Need:
• A selection of drawing equipment for each participant.
• A blindfold for each participant (optional).

Notes:
This icebreaker is designed to be run at the start of a session to encourage your participants to take a more creative approach to problem solving.

You’ll need to contact participants a few days prior to the session to ask them to think about any work-based challenges they face and to record their top three to bring with them.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

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Defining Success

Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 30 minutes.

Aims:
• To define success.

About

Time:
The exercise in this module will take about 15 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 30 minutes to complete this module.

Aims:
• To define success.

Group Size:
This module is suitable for use with groups of up to 25 participants.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• Flipchart paper and lots of coloured pens.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

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Trainer Notes
Handout
Handout (Word)

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Describing Your Glass - Optimism vs Pessimism

Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 30 minutes.

Aims:
• To explore the difference between optimistic and pessimistic behaviour.
• To understand the kind of actions to take in order to be more optimistic.

About

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

Aims:
• To explore the difference between optimistic and pessimistic behaviour.
• To understand the kind of actions to take in order to be more optimistic.

Group Size:
Can be used with groups of up to 25 participants.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

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

Notes:
This activity can be run on its own or as a follow on to The Charity Challenge.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

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Drawing Upon Questions - Getting a Clear Picture

Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 25 minutes.

Aims:
• To demonstrate the importance of asking the right questions when trying to understand another’s perspective.

About

Time:
This exercise will take about 15 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 25 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To demonstrate the importance of asking the right questions when trying to understand another’s perspective.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of almost any size.

Useful For:
Anyone.

You'll Need:
• Drawing equipment for your participants.

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Handout

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Feeling Persuasive? - The Benefits of Positive Thinking

Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 20 minutes.

Aims:
• To allow participants to explore how they feel about their ability to persuade and influence others, and how they'd like to feel at the end of the training.

About

Time:
This exercise will take about 15 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 20 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To allow participants to explore how they feel about their ability to persuade and influence others, and how they'd like to feel at the end of the training.

Group Size:
Suitable for use with groups of up to 20 participants.

You'll Need:
• Blank sheets of A4 paper.
• Pens/pencils with which to draw.

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Feelings Towards Change

Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 25 minutes.

Aims:
• To explore your participants’ response to change and the factors that drive it.

About

Time:
The exercise will take about 10 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 25 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To explore your participants’ response to change and the factors that drive it.

Group Size:
This module is suitable for use with groups of up to 25 participants.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• Five red and five green sticky dots for each participant.

Notes:
You will need to have pre-prepared flipcharts with the statements listed as per the handout.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

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Handout
Handout (Word)

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Five Balls - Goal Setting and Motivation

Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 20 minutes.

Aims:
• To energise participants.
• To demonstrate the value of breaking major projects down into small goals.
• To demonstrate how positive thinking will impact upon results.
• To demonstrate effective teamwork.

About

Time:
This exercise will take about 15 minutes to complete (longer for large groups). In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 20 minutes to complete this module.

Aims:
• To energise participants.
• To demonstrate the value of breaking major projects down into small goals.
• To demonstrate how positive thinking will impact upon results.
• To demonstrate effective teamwork.

Group Size:
Suitable for use with groups of almost any size.

You'll Need:
• A large open space.
• A stopwatch.
• Five balls (tennis, juggling or stress balls are ideal).

Notes:
If using this exercise with very large groups, you will need to split participants into smaller teams.

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Flenda’s Tale - Understanding Our Impact on the Behaviour of Others

Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 40 minutes.

Aims:
• To help participants understand the impact of their behaviours on others and the part they can play in developing and improving difficult relationships at work.

About

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 30 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 40 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To help participants understand the impact of their behaviours on others and the part they can play in developing and improving difficult relationships at work.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 25 participants.

Useful For:
Everyone who interacts with others at work.

You'll Need:
• 2 different colour pens for each participant (to complete the handout).

Notes:
A great exercise to demonstrate our role in conflict with others. It’s designed to help anyone reflect on how to improve their workplace relationships, not just those who are in conflict. It is also a useful addition to Emotional Intelligence training.

We do recommend that you practice reading Flenda’s Tale aloud a couple of times before using this exercise.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

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Getting an Accurate Picture - Can You Spot the Difference?

Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 15 minutes.

Aims:
• To test participants’ attention to detail.
• To explore how patience and persistence can help when tasks are detail orientated.

About

Time:
This exercise will take about 5 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 15 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To test participants’ attention to detail.
• To explore how patience and persistence can help when tasks are detail orientated.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of almost any size.

Useful For:
Anyone.

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

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

Downloads
Available to Essential
Trainer Notes
Handout
Answer Sheet
PowerPoint

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Goldilocks - A Listening Exercise

Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 20 minutes.

Aims:
• To test listening skills.
• To illustrate the dangers of making assumptions.
• To encourage participants to think about how they can check their understanding of information they receive.

About

Time:
This exercise will take about 10 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 20 minutes for completion. (You may wish to take more time for larger groups or where you want to explore some of the learning in more detail.)

Aims:
• To test listening skills.
• To illustrate the dangers of making assumptions.
• To encourage participants to think about how they can check their understanding of information they receive.

Group Size:
This module is suitable for use with groups of almost any size. It is possible to use this exercise in conference situations as well as more usual training interventions like courses and workshops.

You'll Need:
• A pre-prepared flipchart of the statements from the handout (hidden from view until required).
• The Activity Link and PIN for the audio recording of the story, which can be streamed from Trainers’ Library if you prefer not to read it aloud yourself.

Notes:
If reading the story to participants, we suggest that you rehearse reading the story aloud a few times prior to delivery.

If You Like This Training Exercise:
You’ll LOVE ‘The Witches of Glum’ which is also available from Trainers’ Library. ‘The Witches of Glum’ has been endorsed by Show Racism the Red Card for its ability to make participants think about prejudice and stereotypes. To find out more about the great work this charity is doing to educate against racism, visit www.theredcard.org.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

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Idols - Examining Values and Beliefs

Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 20 minutes.

Aims:
• To encourage participants to share information about themselves.
• To explore values and beliefs.
• To build rapport among participants.

About

Time:
This exercise will take about 15 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 20 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To encourage participants to share information about themselves.
• To explore values and beliefs.
• To build rapport among participants.

Group Size:
This module is suitable for use with groups of up to 25 participants.

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

Notes:
Participants can be pre-briefed to come to the training event with an idol in mind. This gives participants time to really think about their choices.

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Imagining Equality - What it Means to Me

Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 30 minutes.

Aims:
• For participants to explore and identify what equality means to them.
• To understand what equality means to others.

About

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

Aims:
• For participants to explore and identify what equality means to them.
• To understand what equality means to others.

Group Size:
Suitable for use with groups of almost any size.

You'll Need:
• Random magazines and art materials such as coloured pens and paper.

Notes:
This activity is a great way to explore what equality means. However, it is best suited to more experienced trainers and facilitators as it might expose negativity towards the topic of equality and diversity. This, in itself, however, can be useful to the trainer.

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Investigative Journalists

Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 20 minutes.

Aims:
• To get participants talking and using some of the fundamental skills of information gathering, including effective questioning and active listening.
• To identify the importance of understanding not just actions, but the motivation for actions.
• To begin to identify some key skills anyone looking to build rapport and influence needs.

About

Time:
This exercise will take about 10 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 20 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To get participants talking and using some of the fundamental skills of information gathering, including effective questioning and active listening.
• To identify the importance of understanding not just actions, but the motivation for actions.
• To begin to identify some key skills anyone looking to build rapport and influence needs.

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

Useful For:
Anyone.

You'll Need:
• A supply of A4 paper for each participant to show their answers to the group. (You could use a small wipe clean whiteboard or similar).

Notes:
This icebreaker is useful in any situation where you want to encourage meaningful conversations.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

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Jump - Motivation and Continuous Improvement

Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 15 minutes.

Aims:
• To illustrate how motivation and self-belief can lead us to stretch our performance.

About

Time:
This exercise will take about 10 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 15 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To illustrate how motivation and self-belief can lead us to stretch our performance.

Group Size:
This module is suitable for use with groups of up to 25 participants.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

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

Notes:
This quick exercise can be used as an icebreaker and demonstrates how we can all stretch our performance if we're motivated to do so. This is a physical exercise that may not be appropriate for everyone.

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Knowing Me, Knowing You - Unconscious Bias

Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 25 minutes.

Aims:
• To raise awareness of how quickly we draw conclusions about other people.
• Understand the impact unconscious bias has on our interactions with others.

About

Time:
This exercise will take about 10 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 25 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To raise awareness of how quickly we draw conclusions about other people.
• Understand the impact unconscious bias has on our interactions with others.

Group Size:
Suitable for use with groups of almost any size.

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

Notes:
This exercise works best if your participants don’t know you very well.

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Handout
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Little Wins - Nourishing Positive Thinking

Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 30 minutes.

Aims:
• To encourage participants to focus on positive outcomes.
• To encourage participants to reflect on and become more aware of their inner dialogue and the impact it has.
• To provide a simple tool to help participants reframe their thinking to make it more positive.

About

Time:
This exercise will take about 22 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 30 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To encourage participants to focus on positive outcomes.
• To encourage participants to reflect on and become more aware of their inner dialogue and the impact it has.
• To provide a simple tool to help participants reframe their thinking to make it more positive.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of of up to 24 participants. It can also be adapted for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

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

Notes:
This short activity can be used as an icebreaker or energiser in any training around resilience and positive thinking.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

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Miss-Understood

Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 40 minutes.

Aims:
• To demonstrate how easily misunderstandings can occur even when we think our communication is clear.

About

Time:
This exercise will take about 20 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 40 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To demonstrate how easily misunderstandings can occur even when we think our communication is clear.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 25 participants.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• Plenty of post-it notes.
• 10 sheets of flipchart paper.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

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Negotiating Attitudes

Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 20 minutes.

Aims:
• To identify participant's views on negotiation.
• To understand the views of others about negotiation and their reasons for them.
• To create a list of objectives for the training based on the participants’ views.

About

Time:
This exercise will take about 15 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 20 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To identify participant's views on negotiation.
• To understand the views of others about negotiation and their reasons for them.
• To create a list of objectives for the training based on the participants’ views.

Group Size:
Suitable for use with groups of up to 30 participants.

You'll Need:
• Nothing other than the materials provided, however, we recommend that you laminate the Quote Cards if you anticipate using this exercise frequently.

Notes:
Great to use at the start of a negotiation workshop to find out the attitudes and objectives of your participants. For bigger groups you’ll need to allow more time for this exercise.

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New Ways to Make the Ordinary Extraordinary

Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 10 minutes.

Aims:
• To get participants in the right mindset for thinking creatively or embracing new ideas.

About

Time:
This exercise will take about 5 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 10 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To get participants in the right mindset for thinking creatively or embracing new ideas.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of almost any size.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• A newspaper.
• Flipchart paper and pens.

Notes:
Small prizes for the winners would be a nice touch.

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People in a Different Light

Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 20 minutes.

Aims:
• To encourage participants to share information about themselves.
• To test participant's knowledge of each other.
• To encourage participants to see beyond their existing perceptions of others.

About

Time:
This exercise will take about 15 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 20 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To encourage participants to share information about themselves.
• To test participant's knowledge of each other.
• To encourage participants to see beyond their existing perceptions of others.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 25 participants.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• A pen and post-it notes for each participant.

Notes:
For a similar activity, with a different approach, you might like to look at True Lies.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

Downloads
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Trainer Notes

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Personal Motto

Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 20 minutes.

Aims:
• To enable participants to introduce each other by sharing their personal motto.

About

Time:
This exercise will take about 15 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 20 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To enable participants to introduce each other by sharing their personal motto.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 15 participants.

You'll Need:
• Enough personal motto cards for your participants to have plenty of options to pick from.

Notes:
If using this exercise with very large groups, you will need to split participants into smaller teams to pick and then share their mottos.

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Quoting Resilience - Energiser

Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 20 minutes.

Aims:
• To explore the range of experiences and perceptions of resilience within the group.
• To get people thinking about what resilience means and where it comes from.

About

Time:
This exercise will take about 15 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 20 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To explore the range of experiences and perceptions of resilience within the group.
• To get people thinking about what resilience means and where it comes from.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 25 participants.

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

Notes:
If using this exercise with large groups, split them into smaller teams.

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Quoting Resilience - Icebreaker

Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 20 minutes.

Aims:
• To enable participants to introduce themselves to the group.
• To find out how each participant perceives resilience and what they hope to get from the training.
• To introduce some key information about resilience.
• To get people thinking about what resilience means and where it comes from.

About

Time:
This exercise will take about 15 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 20 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To enable participants to introduce themselves to the group.
• To find out how each participant perceives resilience and what they hope to get from the training.
• To introduce some key information about resilience.
• To get people thinking about what resilience means and where it comes from.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 25 participants.

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

Notes:
If using this exercise with large groups, split them into smaller teams.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

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Reach for the Stars - Praise and Self-Esteem

Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 15 minutes.

Aims:
• To highlight self-limiting behaviour and beliefs in a non-threatening way.
• To consider how we receive praise and how it affects us.
• To energise a group of participants.

About

Time:
This exercise will take about 10 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 15 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To highlight self-limiting behaviour and beliefs in a non-threatening way.
• To consider how we receive praise and how it affects us.
• To energise a group of participants.

Group Size:
This module is suitable for use with groups of almost any size as long as you have sufficient wall space.

You'll Need:
• 2 cardboard stars or star shaped post it notes for each participant.
• Blu-tac will also be needed if you use cardboard stars.

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The Challenge of Speaking Positively

Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 15 minutes.

Aims:
• To explore and identify what positive language is.
• To understand why positive language matters.

About

Time:
This exercise will take about 10 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 15 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To explore and identify what positive language is.
• To understand why positive language matters.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of almost any size.

You'll Need:
• A selection of bells or buzzers, one for every 2-3 participants.

Notes:
Before the training, pre-prepare a flipchart with a blank bingo card. The card will need to have enough boxes so there is one for each participant.

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The Charity Challenge - How Attitude Impacts Success

Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 15 minutes.

Aims:
• To explore what it feels like when a colleague adopts a pessimistic attitude.
• To understand how pessimism can impact the likelihood of success.

About

Time:
This exercise will take about 5 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 15 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To explore what it feels like when a colleague adopts a pessimistic attitude.
• To understand how pessimism can impact the likelihood of success.

Group Size:
Can be used with groups of up to 25 participants.

Useful For:
Teams.

You'll Need:
• Flipchart paper and a pen.

Notes:
This icebreaker is really only suitable for use when running in-house training with an established team. To make it more credible, we suggest running this activity immediately after a break (and make sure you’re absent from the learners for part of that break). It works best when it is followed up with Describing Your Glass - Optimism vs Pessimism, as that module focuses on the positive steps that can be taken to develop optimism as a skill.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

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True Lies

Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 20 minutes.

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.

About

Time:
This exercise will take about 15 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 20 minutes for completion.

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:
Suitable for use with groups of up to 15 participants. (The activity can be used with larger groups, but you will need to allow more time.)

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:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

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What is Bullying and Harassment?

Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 15 minutes.

Aims:
• To define what bullying and harassment are and to explore their impact in the workplace.

About

Time:
This exercise will take about 5 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 15 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To define what bullying and harassment are and to explore their impact in the workplace.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of almost any size.

Useful For:
Anyone.

You'll Need:
• To prepare flipcharts containing ACAS’ definitions of bullying and of harassment if you don’t wish to use the PowerPoint slides provided.

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Which Shelf Are You On? - Labels and Assumptions

Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 30 minutes.

Aims:
• To encourage people to reflect on the assumptions we make and the labels we attach to people.
• To understand that there is more to people than what we see on the surface.

About

Time:
This exercise will take about 15 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 30 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To encourage people to reflect on the assumptions we make and the labels we attach to people.
• To understand that there is more to people than what we see on the surface.

Group Size:
Suitable for use with groups of almost any size.

You'll Need:
• Nothing other than the materials provided. But for a more visual/engaging exercise, you could provide participants physical representations of the products listed in the activity to sort.

Notes:
This is a great icebreaker for any topic where it’s helpful for participants consider whether categorising people is fair, and the impact this can have on beliefs and behaviour.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

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Handout
Handout (Word)

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