| Responses | Date | Author |
A great exercise I have used in assessment centres is to give everyone 5 or 10 mins prep time to decide what animal best represents their personality and why. Next step is for them to illustrate this in a drawing they can show to the other candidates - A3 pad or on a piece of flipchart paper - and they then have to give a short presentation. You could set the time limit on the presentation so you don't go over the 20-30 mins. Alternatives to the animal scenario are 'which superhero are you'?
It's great fun, relaxes everyone and provides some interesting insights into candidates!
Jo |
| 20/07/2010 | Previous |
Hey Sharon,
I recently did the same (Graduate assessment centre) and wanted to do the same thing, use an exercise to bring everyone together and break down some barriers!
I'd suggest using:
Building Strong Bridges - Basic Leadership Skills
Available here on Trainers Library...loads of fun, really just puts the candidate into a situation where they simply HAVE to communicate and work together. It's quite visual also.
I saw the other responses regarding helium sticks, if you've never done it before...I consider it one of the hardest group activities to complete. I've seen CEO's walk away from it in a temper tantrum. Great exercise, might actually frustrate more than get them going.
My tuppence for what it's worth. |
| 07/07/2010 | Previous |
Hi Sharon
The key thing is whether you want a names-type icebreaker or an energiser/icebreaker. We used to do a lot of the names-type but now do more of the energiser types (they tend to be more active and fun). A good names-type is "Hidden Talents" - give each person a list of talents and then ask then to move around the room introducing themselves as they go. Each person may ask a person they meet one thing from their list of talents (e.g. are you the person who can speak four languages?)
To which the response may be Yes or No. If yes then encourage them to find out more (like which languages and how they learnt etc.) I can expand on this if you like. Then at the end someone wins by getting a name against each of the talents. Then start introducing people and ask what has been found out about them. Nice way to highlight the hidden talents that everyone possesses.
For the energiser type icebreaker you could try the well-known "Helium Stick" or "Key Pad Punch". If you want a ready made set of kit and instructions then we sell them on our website (eventus.co.uk) A trawl of the internet will also throw up loads of options many of which are copyright free. Good Luck!
Phil England [email protected] |
| 07/07/2010 | Previous |
Hi Sharon
have you tried an icebreaker called hellium sticks? Its a fun exercises that gets energy levels up and has some real learning around teamworking and communication. A full description of what you need and how to run it comes from www.businessballs.com
I have used it on a couple of occassions and it goes down really well.
regards
Wendy Garcarz
4 Health Ltd |
| 07/07/2010 | Previous |