One dead simple opener for a work session which has never failed
Non-embarrassing, friendly and robust intro that helps people connect
When to use it
Do you remember the last time you attended a meeting where you did not know many people?
There is this awkward atmosphere at the beginning where you pretend you are all fine - and so does everybody else.
In reality, you think “Who are the other people in this meeting?” and “Am I ok with my level of expertise or are the others way smarter than me?”
There is an easy way to address this and get this elephant out of room within 10 min. 🐘
Creating a more relaxed atmosphere and human connection do not only make the participants feel better but is also key to success if you want to tackle a complex problem.
Name of the exercise
Hello Game
Boundary conditions:
Participants: Minimum is 8, best is 12 - 32
Duration: 10 - 20 min
Supplies:
A timer
Something to make noise with like a bell or a (friendly) whistle
Preparation:
Think of a simple question that is related to the human being. This can be:
What is your name and where do you work?
How has your morning been?
What did you enjoy this week?
Think of one question participants would be comfortable talking about that is related to the work session. This can be:
How are you affected by this problem?
Why did you join this session?
What is your experience with the problem?
What are you hoping to get out of this session today?
Visualize the first few sentences of the dialogue you want people to have. You can write it on a slide, a flip chart, a whiteboard… whatever works for you.
How to facilitate it:
“You might wonder who is all here today. In order to find out, we will start with a short, friendly and non-embarrassing welcome exercise.”
“Please talk to 3 people around you that you do not know well. Talk to them individually spending 2 min each.“
“Ask your first conversation partner the following 2 questions.” (see Preparation above):
the question related to the human being
the question related to the topic
Show the visualized dialogue.
“Spend 2 min with one person. I will ring this bell (ring!) when it is time for you to switch to a new partner. Thank the first one and find the next.”
“Stand up now and find a person to talk to.”
Set a timer and announce/ring when it is time to change partners.
Ask people to take a seat again once they have spoken to 3 people.
Optional: Ask whether anybody wants to share a few things they heard. That can be interesting if they shared expectations for the session.
Pro tip:
Write down the instructions and read them out loud when you do it for the first time. Confusing instructions lead to frustrated participants. Speak slowly, loud enough and pause shortly in between to give people time to digest.
Don´t skip visualizing the beginning of the dialogue.
Why does it work?
What does the trick is to propose the beginning of the dialogue which reduces the awkwardness. Doing it in a group does not put anybody on the spot.
It is a low pressure activity. It provides an opportunity for participants to get to know each other without the pressure of sounding extra witty, funny or smart.
Where did I learn it?
The Thaigi Group.
from originally pointed me to it. Thanks!
Now what?
Wait for an opportunity and try it.
Ask me if you are not sure whether this will work in your work setting.
Photo ref: pexels-moose-photos-1036627
Very nice explained, great visual with the bubbles, love it!