At the beginning of a session with a new group, it can feel a little awkward and uncomfortable. An energizer or ice breaker provides relaxation with a substantive component. There are hundreds of forms on the internet (like this one ), but on this page a few that we use in the LSD innovation workshops.
WHEEL-IN-WHEEL
I came up with the specific shape myself, but this energizer already exists in a number of variants. The idea is that you get the group both physically and in terms of content. Method
– Split the group in two
– Make an inner circle and an outer circle
– Let the participants walk around against each other. A kind of musical chairs.
– indicate with a bell or something like when walking stops
– the inner circle asks 1 question to the person opposite him / her. Then the outer person asks a question to the inner circle. They have 2 minutes per person for this.
– let the wheel turn again – continue if people have already been facing each other – and repeat until everyone has spoken.
– Briefly evaluate the working method and striking insights about the group members with the group.
AND THEN….
A nice brain warmer that can be used as an energizer in a workshop on storytelling.
ROW-ROW-ROW
These energizers are super simple but always work. All you ask the group is to get in the right order. indicate a timebox (1 minute is usually sufficient) and let the group arrange themselves in order of (for example):
– age
– first letter of the first name
– distance from the meeting location
– length
– size of the hands
– et cetera
THE HUMAN KNOT (up to 10 people)
Untangle a human knot. Simple and guaranteed a lot of fun. Tip: Always check first whether someone is afraid of contamination or physical limitations.
– Stand in a circle
– Cross your arms and take two hands of other group members. These should NOT be the hands of the person next to you.
– now try to get out of the knot without loosening your hands.
– it is successful if everyone only holds the hand of the people next to him / her.
– Watch a movie here
MAGNIFY
Works in a small group (up to about ten people). Steps:
– Stand in a circle
– First assignment: everyone points to someone but no one is pointed twice
– If this is successful, ask everyone to do nothing. Stand still.
– But… if the person you point to does something , no matter how small (scratching their nose, coughing, whatever) then you do the same thing, but 10% bigger. So overdo it a bit. The person pointing at you will then magnify you 10% and so on …
ENEMY AND PROTECTOR (large groups)
This energizer is called ‘Enemy-Defender’ in English and works well in a large group and preferably in a large room.
– Ask everyone to choose 1 Enemy from all people without disclosing this
– Then ask to choose 1 Protector
– Then give the group a simple task: Always keep the Protector between you and the Enemy.
– stop after 90 seconds and discuss what the group noticed.
– we also use this form to illustrate self-management. How a complex system ultimately finds a balance. And quite quickly too.
WHO AM I?
Post it on your forehead with a celebrity or celebrity and guess …
NIPPON
One for mind and body. A very lively energizer based on Japanese martial arts.
30 SECONDS You probably
know this game. You get 30 seconds to explain 5 words on a card to your fellow player without using the word. As a team lead, scrum master or coach, create your own version for the team with terms from their work area. Do this in pairs, but for the whole group. A lot of fun guaranteed.
WORD PLAY . For a nice warm-up, especially if you get started with storytelling, download the free app Gelimbo . Combine any two words into a nice new word.
More inspiration? There are many (probably 101 but I have not counted them) working methods for more energy on 101werkvorm.nl . So energizers. And check out play14.org/games too .