Category: Strategy

What is the House Rules icebreaker? 

The House Rules icebreaker is a group activity that translates each participant’s expectations into a set of rules the group agrees to follow. The rules apply specifically to that group in order for them to engage with the task at hand.

Each set of rules will differ from group to group. This is because they will reflect the expectations and preferences of the ‘House’, that is, the individuals that contributed to them. 

The House Rules icebreaker doesn’t require participants to share personal details. Instead, it uses the commonality of group membership to springboard into discussion. This makes it an ideal icebreaker for more formal environments, or for groups that are wary of more creative warm-ups.

Why do a House Rules icebreaker?

The House Rules icebreaker offers two valuable outcomes from one simple activity. As well as the benefits of an icebreaker, this exercise creates a set of guidelines for the group to follow throughout the session that will follow.

The rules make clear what is expected of each participant as well as what they can expect of others. The collaborative process used to shape the rules means participants have a sense of ownership of the guidelines they are following. This increases the likelihood of the rules being followed. 

Such rules are a useful reference point for a facilitator. As well as gaining insight into how the group wishes to work, the rules give the  facilitator permission to politely enforce them. For example, if the rules include timeboxing conversations, the facilitator may bring discussions to a close once the time limit is reached. Such an action isn’t a reflection of a topic or an individual; it’s just a result of the agreed rules, and it’s therefore unlikely to cause offense.

House Rules icebreaker template

What is the Photo Wall icebreaker?

The Photo Wall icebreaker is a group activity that has participants build a simple collage that is used as a common talking point for the group. Every member of the group is invited to share a friendly fact about themselves by way of a photograph they are happy to share. The result is an inviting and colorful poster everyone in the group can explore.

The Photo Wall offers a facilitator a great deal of flexibility. It can include a single or multiple sections depending on the size of the group. Of course, the prompts themselves can be altered to reflect the interests of the group, and the activity at hand.

Why do a Photo Wall icebreaker?

People are more likely to be engaged by a photo than words on a page. They naturally spark curiosity, which is the perfect mindset for a collaborative session.  Participants can use their own photos or any photo they can find on the internet. This means they can determine how much of themselves they share. This is great news for a facilitator looking to support a sense of safety in the shared space. The use of photos comes with an added bonus. People don’t need to worry about bad writing or spelling mistakes.

Another great thing about the Photo Wall icebreaker is its broad application. The customisation of the prompts means an almost limitless variety can be created ranging from the topical to the timeless. They can also be used by groups of any size.

Photo wall icebreaker template

What is the Two Truths and One Lie icebreaker?

The Two Truths and One Lie icebreaker is based on an old-fashioned parlor game. People share two facts about themselves (truths) and one thing that’s completely made up (lie). Once everyone has added their input to the template, group members are invited to guess which statement is a lie.

Two Truths and One Lie allows participants to share to a level they feel comfortable. It also gives them a chance to draw upon their creative side.

As well as giving participants a chance to get to know each other, the Two Truths and One Lie icebreaker helps a facilitator get to know the personality types that make up the group. More outgoing personalities are likely to offer their opinions on what is true and what is a lie, while quieter participants will need to be invited to do so. The more creative personalities may offer quite unusual ‘facts’ while more conservative participants will offer simpler input. 

How to run a two Truths and One Lie icebreaker?

First, ask everyone who is present to add their names to the board.

Then each person clicks on their name in GroupMap and enters three statements. One of them being a lie.
Then the facilitator can lead everyone through one person’s name at a time and have people comment as to which one they think is a lie and why.
When time is up, the person then reveals to everyone which one the lie was.

What is the Where in the World icebreaker?

The Where in the World icebreaker is a group activity where participants align themselves to a location. For remote groups, that location can  be the country from which they are working. For co-located groups, that location can be the place they were born. For existing groups, that location can be the country they hope to visit one day.

Each group member is invited to place a photo of themselves at the location of their choosing. If time permits, other details can be added and worked into the introduction.

Why do a Where in the World icebreaker?

The Where in the World icebreaker is highly inclusive, afterall we all exist somewhere in the world. It is a great way of starting to celebrate diversity and explore what people have in common. 

For remote groups, the Where in the World icebreaker can help humanize the virtual collaborative space. This is important as it tends to encourage greater empathy amongst group members.

Where in the world icebreaker template