I have been trying this with small groups and it’s proving to be a great way to start conversations about purpose, values, talents, creativity and personal brand.
Like all good ice-breakers, it’s very simple and you can change the breadth of the questions depending on the group.
I had great fun sourcing my toy figures. The first few were found at a flea market in New York. Actually, if the truth be known, I bought them first and then came up with the idea for how to use them. Finding the postcards was easy as I have an ever-growing collection from art gallery shops (no gallery visit is complete without some time spent in the shop).
So, once you have done the hello’s, do a quick relaxation/grounding exercise and then:
1: Everyone chooses a postcard or toy figure that represents one of the following:
“On a good day, work means to me…”
“I am part of this team/working here because …”
“What special talent/super power do I have (that isn’t on my cv)?”
Remember, all superheroes have a weakness (eg: kryptonite) – what’s yours?
2: Let everyone know that they need to be prepared to share their thoughts with those present. Don’t be strict, encourage people to talk about anything they like.
3: As facilitator take part yourself.
4: Once everyone has had a chance to speak about what they chose and why, spend some time reflecting on the experience.
6: Take a photo.
Next – I am going to try this at an innovation project start-up meeting as a way to find out what different members of the team are hoping to bring to the endeavour.