Managing for the First Time Icebreakers and Energisers

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.

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

Aims:
• To identify the leadership traits your participants most admire.
• To help establish learning objectives.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of almost any size. For larger groups you may need to duplicate some of the Place Cards. (There are 36 cards provided).

You'll Need:
• Enough Place Cards for one per participant with some extras for a wider choice.
• Post it notes.

Notes:
This is a great way to capture your participants’ learning objectives.

Time:
This exercise will take about 5 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 20 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To help managers identify their own style of management.
• To think about the culture and values of the team they have taken over managing.

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

Useful For:
New managers.

You'll Need:
• One set of Feelings Cards for each participant.

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.

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

Aims:
• To identify behaviours participants would want their leaders to exhibit and those they would not.
• To generate discussion about the skills and behaviours exhibited by great leaders.

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

You'll Need:
• A set of ‘animal’ cards, provided.
• Flipchart paper and pens.

Notes:
The running time varies depending on the size of the group. For larger groups you may need to put them into sub-groups.

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

Aims:
• To provide an opportunity for participants to learn something about each other.
• To help participants learn more about each other’s values and motivators.
• To understand the importance of an awareness of the personal values of those they seek to influence.

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

You'll Need:
• Printed copies of the images provided on sheets of A4 paper.

Notes:
You can use any images for this activity.

Time:
This exercise will take about 15 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 45 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To encourage participants to reflect on where they are, their strengths and the challenges they face.
• To identify parallels with nature and reflect on what learning this provides.

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

Useful For:
New leaders in particular and in any situation where self-reflection might be valuable.

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

Notes:
Nature can be a powerful metaphor for learning. It is, after all, in a constant state of change, growth and renewal and it’s full of symbiotic relationships. There are clear parallels here with the workplace where success is often dependent on teamwork, where change is constant and where communication, learning and adaptability are essential skills.

This can be a particularly powerful activity to use with new managers to encourage them to reflect on their place in the team and the skills they need to develop but it can be used in other situations too, where some self-reflection might be valuable.

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

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 to understand why clear objectives and goals matter.

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

You'll Need:
• One set of Sorting Out Shape Cards per two participants.
• A stopwatch.
• A buzzer or bell to signal when their time is up.

Notes:
Filing Frenzy card packs are available to purchase – each pack contains 10 sets of the shape cards used in this activity.

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 understand the importance of recognising the needs of others when trying to influence their behaviour.

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

You'll Need:
• Small bags of chocolate, enough for one bag per 2 participants.

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

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

Aims:
• To explore the impact on the wider team if under performance isn't effectively addressed.
• To understand why performance management is also about effectively using all the skills within their team.

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

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