| Any time that you get a group of new people | | | | Start small and then work your way up by having |
| together it is understandable that there will be some | | | | the group spread out or grow. |
| tension. People need a chance to get to know one | | | | Another great ice breaker game is having everyone |
| another before they leap into business together. A | | | | write down a series of questions or answers to a |
| team must be comfortable working together before | | | | specific question. For instance, everyone can share |
| they can be expected to produce positive results. Ice | | | | what led them to get involved in the type of work |
| breakers are essential for easing your team into the | | | | you do, what it is that garnered their interest and |
| routine of working as a whole. When people enjoy | | | | what they find the most rewarding about it. When |
| their work and feel comfortable with fellow | | | | you work together in an environment that you |
| employees, it shows in the workplace. Use ice | | | | enjoy, sharing what you love about it isn't so hard, |
| breakers as a way to get everyone to open up and | | | | and it can draw you closer to fellow team members. |
| feel good about who they work with. | | | | It never hurts to do something fun as an ice breaker |
| Start your team off by having them play some | | | | for team building. Getting everyone involved in |
| games designed for getting to know one another | | | | something quirky and fun like carving ice sculptures or |
| better. There are games like the Five Favorite Things | | | | having a dance off can be a fantastic way to |
| game where you choose a topic like movies, books | | | | eliminate tension and increase friendly morale. Team |
| or colors and have everyone give their favorites. It | | | | building events and activities don't have to always be |
| can really get discussions going on certain films or | | | | work related. There is no harm in letting loose and |
| even food. Those little get to know you things may | | | | having some fun sometimes. If anything, it will result |
| not be all that important but they make conversing | | | | in increased productivity rather than the opposite. |
| easy. It also makes it easy to see who you have | | | | Use a game like Clue to get everyone going or make |
| things in common with. Finding common ground with | | | | up your own crime scene game. It gets people |
| others is essential when it comes to being an | | | | laughing and playing which lightens the mood of all. Ice |
| effective part of a team. | | | | breakers should be stress relieving too. People go to |
| When your team is just starting out, you may want | | | | work with enough tension as it is. Use fun activities |
| to keep the groups small so that it is easier for | | | | to prevent that. Ice breakers are exciting ways to |
| everyone to connect. Large groups can be both | | | | get to know others on your team without a stiff |
| intimidating and overwhelming to some. Getting to | | | | structured setting. Make the most of it to encourage |
| know others is easier in a quiet and small setting. | | | | your team to converse in comfort. |