Authentic Connection: Three Things Opener Activity

Icebreakers foster what workplace experts call psychological safety. In other words, they create an atmosphere in which colleagues feel free to speak up, to question, contribute and criticize – without fear of censure.

– Jonathan Thompson


OPENER ACTIVITY

  • A quick-fire, fast-paced activity. Person A kicks things off by naming a category (for example, “types of dessert”).
  • Person B rattles off three things that fit that theme, as quickly as they can. No judgment and no self-censoring.
  • When they’ve finished, the entire group applauds, and then Person B names the next category. Continue until everyone has had a chance to name the category and the three things.

Related Articles

Future of Work: Leadership Language that Promotes Psychological Safety

Words matter. What we say and how we say it affects those around us in powerful ways. And while even with the best of intentions and practice, miscommunication and negative effects can occur, being mindful and intentional with our language can help reduce those instances. And you might just be surprised by what a positive and profound effect small, everyday phrases can have on others. Consider these 12 statements that help foster psychological safety to begin creating a safe and inclusive workplace.

Resources We Love (And Hope You Will Too!)

During our May Counterpart meetings, we asked folks to share what they have been engaging with recently. Below is a list of all the resources shared by our incredible community, offering a taste of the diverse and inspiring content they’re currently exploring. This list has something for everyone: from thought-provoking articles to captivating podcasts to must-watch documentaries. So, take a peek, pick your poison, and get ready to dive into something fantastic!

Passion. Pride. Promise. Two Leaders Help Pave the Way for Their Students & Communities

Tucked away in the hills of rural western Oregon, the Vernonia and Gaston school districts defy many of the stereotypes most of us hold when we think of rural schools. Their communities face both common and unique challenges. Vernonia Elementary Principal, Michelle Eagleson, and Gaston Superintendent, Summer Catino, share how their small schools and communities achieve greatness.

Authentic Connection: True or False Opener Activity

While this activity functions as an icebreaker, it also serves the purpose of deeper team-building, even for more well-established teams. Not only does this help the group get to know each other better and swiftly reduce stress levels, but it also sparks immediate interaction – as the group comes together to root out the red herrings.

This activity is also known as two truths and a lie, and is one that students also enjoy (whether for getting to know each other or their teacher).

Authentic Connection: Exorcise the Demons Opener Activity

While this activity functions as an icebreaker, it also serves the purpose of igniting topic exploration. This activity juices up everyone’s neuropathways before brainstorming – and helps people to resist any temptation to self-censor when the real problem solving begins. This one also boosts psychological safety because, hey, every idea is automatically going to be better than whatever’s already on the page.

Authentic Connection: One-Word Opener Activity

While this activity functions as an icebreaker, it’s best for deeper team-building for established teams. This activity can reveal some surprising answers, with enlightening discussion to follow, which can easily segue into the meeting proper. Plus, starting out with small groups allows everyone the chance to participate in a meaningful way, which can boost their confidence about speaking up in the full session.

Foster Community Engagement: 9 Steps to Establishing a District Family Engagement Team

There is growing recognition, grounded in research, that effective family engagement can contribute to improved student outcomes and to closing persistent achievement gaps among students of different racial and ethnic backgrounds and family income levels.

Experts advocate for family engagement as an essential strategy for building the pathway to college and career readiness for all students, as well as an essential component of a systems approach to school turnaround.

Authentic Connection: Joy Toss Opener Activity

This versatile icebreaker/opener activity—from LMB Consulting—is fantastic for students, staff, leadership teams, peer groups, etc. It certainly functions as any “typical” icebreaker, but with the focus on joy and strengthening skills of listening and focus, the opportunity for more authentic positive connections is possible.

Authentic Connection: Team Timeline Opener Activity

While this activity functions as an icebreaker, it’s best for deeper team-building for established teams. This exercise helps show, in a visual way, the different experiences, priorities, and generations within your team. It leads well into talking about shared experiences, breaks down barriers and creates a mindset of authentic communication. 

Responses