problem solving ice breaker questions

Conflict   Icebreakers and Energisers

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Assertiveness Spectrum

Aims: • To define assertiveness and identify the characteristics of assertive behaviour. • To identify situations where participants find it difficult to be assertive.

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

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

You'll Need: • A piece of string/rope that is approximately 4 metres long.

Notes: You will need a clear space for your participants to move along the ‘Assertiveness Spectrum’.

Assumptions - The Witches of Glum

Aims: • To understand the importance of listening skills. • To illustrate the dangers of making assumptions. • To provoke discussion about prejudices and stereotypes.

Group Size: Suitable for use with groups of almost any size. This module is also suitable for remote/virtual delivery – see separate note.

You'll Need: • Pens and paper for every participant. • The audio recording of the story, which can be streamed from Trainers’ Library if you prefer not to read it aloud yourself.

Notes: If reading the story to participants, we suggest that you rehearse reading the story aloud a few times prior to delivery.

This module has been endorsed by Show Racism the Red Card. For more information about the great work this charity is doing to educate against racism, visit www.theredcard.org .

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

Carrie’s Conundrum - Are Difficult Conversations Necessary?

Aims: • To explore why difficult conversations can be necessary and form part of healthy working relationships.

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

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

Useful For: Anyone.

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

Conflict Word Search

Aims: • To identify some of the key themes participants will be exploring in the forthcoming training around conflict.

Time: This exercise will take about 10 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 15 minutes for completion.

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

Useful For: Anyone attending a course or workshop that focuses on dealing with conflict.

You'll Need: • A printed copy of the large (A3) Trainer version of the Word Search grid provided, affixed to a flipchart.

Notes: A small prize for the winning team would be nice, though not essential.

Course Introduction - A Basic Introduction to Training Events

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.

Time: This exercise will take about 25 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 30 minutes for completion.

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

Finding Common Ground

Aims: • To identify things participants have in common with each other. • To explore the impact on relationships of finding common ground.

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

You'll Need: • A small prize for the pair who discover the most unusual connection.

Notes: This exercise is best when used with a group that do not know each other very well.

Flenda’s Tale - Understanding Our Impact on the Behaviour of Others

Aims: • To help participants understand the impact of their behaviours on others and the part they can play in developing and improving difficult relationships at work.

Time: The exercise in this module can be completed in about 30 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 40 minutes for this module.

Useful For: Everyone who interacts with others at work.

You'll Need: • 2 different colour pens for each participant (to complete the handout).

Notes: A great exercise to demonstrate our role in conflict with others. It’s designed to help anyone reflect on how to improve their workplace relationships, not just those who are in conflict. It is also a useful addition to Emotional Intelligence training.

We do recommend that you practice reading Flenda’s Tale aloud a couple of times before using this exercise.

Goldilocks - A Listening Exercise

Aims: • To test listening skills. • To illustrate the dangers of making assumptions. • To encourage participants to think about how they can check their understanding of information they receive.

Time: This exercise will take about 10 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 20 minutes for completion. (You may wish to take more time for larger groups or where you want to explore some of the learning in more detail.)

Group Size: This module is suitable for use with groups of almost any size. It is possible to use this exercise in conference situations as well as more usual training interventions like courses and workshops.

You'll Need: • A pre-prepared flipchart of the statements from the handout (hidden from view until required). • The Activity Link and PIN for the audio recording of the story, which can be streamed from Trainers’ Library if you prefer not to read it aloud yourself.

If You Like This Training Exercise: You’ll LOVE ‘The Witches of Glum’ which is also available from Trainers’ Library. ‘The Witches of Glum’ has been endorsed by Show Racism the Red Card for its ability to make participants think about prejudice and stereotypes. To find out more about the great work this charity is doing to educate against racism, visit www.theredcard.org .

Idols - Examining Values and Beliefs

Aims: • To encourage participants to share information about themselves. • To explore values and beliefs. • To build rapport among participants.

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

Group Size: This module is suitable for use with groups of up to 25 participants.

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.

In a Parallel Universe

Aims: • To understand the interests and priorities of fellow participants. • To identify the benefits of getting to know those we interact with at work.

Time: This exercise will take about 10 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 15 minutes for completion.

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

Notes: Running times will increase with larger groups.

Seeing Things Differently - Different Perspectives

Aims: • To introduce different styles of information gathering. • To understand that we all have a different viewpoint or perspective.

You'll Need: • A single apple (or other type of fruit) for your participants to see.

Speak Up – Dealing with Conflict

Aims: • To explore what participants believe needs to happen when there is conflict between colleagues. • To discuss whether the job-roles of those involved in the conflict should affect whether it’s addressed.

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

Group Size: This module can be used with groups of up to 24 participants.

Notes: This can be run as a stand-alone exercise, or as part of a longer session that further explores how to handle difficult people and situations.

What is Bullying and Harassment?

Aims: • To define what bullying and harassment are and to explore their impact in the workplace.

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

You'll Need: • To prepare flipcharts containing ACAS’ definitions of bullying and of harassment if you don’t wish to use the PowerPoint slides provided.

Where is This Team? (Icebreaker)

Aims: • To encourage the team to think about the team's strengths and weaknesses. • To identify behaviour that the team needs to change.

Time: This exercise will take about 15 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 30 minutes for completion.

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

Notes: This exercise is designed for teams that normally work together.

Who's Assertive?

Aims: • To encourage participants to think about the behaviours exhibited by assertive people. • To encourage participants to think about the characteristics of submissive and aggressive behaviours.

Group Size: This module is suitable for use with groups of up to 15 participants.

You'll Need: • Flipchart paper and plenty of post-it notes.

Notes: A great follow up for this is ‘What is Assertiveness?’ in Course Modules.