Teambuilding, Icebreakers and Group Development Jon Tucker December 5, 2008

Background Western Oregon University Western Oregon University Leadership, Teambuilding, Group Dynamics for 15 years Leadership, Teambuilding, Group Dynamics for 15 years Author – Ultimate Icebreaker & Teambuilder Guide (with another book in process) Author – Ultimate Icebreaker & Teambuilder Guide (with another book in process) Similar audiences – HS versus WOU Similar audiences – HS versus WOU

Icebreakers What are the words that you associate with icebreakers? BRAINSTORM

Sing Down Each group has three minutes to think of as many songs as they can with that word in the lyrics (not just the title). All songs brainstormed by the group must be written down to be valid. Teams may NOT add additional songs to their list once the brainstorming period has ended. No songs can be repeated between groups. If a prior group sings a song on your team’s list, you must cross it off and you can never use it again. The next team responds with another song. The group that has the most songs at the end wins.

What Went Wrong? Why was that the wrong activity for this group? Timing Timing Content Content Irrelevant Irrelevant Wrong Audience Wrong Audience Lack of Interest Lack of Interest Much More Much More

Definitions ICEBREAKER An activity that is meant to “break the ice,” increase the energy level, encourage people to know each other. They can be used for short- or long-term groups. Often includes “name games” and can have varying levels of energy or “risk” to them.

Definitions TEAMBUILDER An activity that is meant to engage a group to learn, grow and develop as a team. These activities typically tie into some leadership quality important for the group. Used more often for long-term groups that build on-going relationships. Fosters deeper meaning, collaboration and problem-solving.

WHY DO THEM? “Why do we bother?” “Why do we bother?” “They are a waste of time.” “They are a waste of time.” “We could be getting so much more accomplished.” “We could be getting so much more accomplished.” “They are just silly games for kids.” “They are just silly games for kids.” “I don’t want to.” “I don’t want to.”

PROCESS TASK TASK VS. PROCESS LOWHIGH LOW HIGH We endeavor to move our groups to the upper-right. Teambuilders and Icebreakers are part of that. WHY?

Learning Styles Auditory Auditory Visual Visual Kinesthetic Kinesthetic Icebreakers and Teambuilders can help engage students with different learning styles. WHY?

40 Developmental Assets 1. Support 2. Empowerment 3. Boundaries & Expectations 4. Constructive Use of Time 5. Commitment to Learning 6. Positive Values 7. Social Competencies 8. Positive Identity WHY?

40 Developmental Assets 1. Write out the areas where icebreakers and teambuilders can support the assets in your category. 2. How might you add or utilize icebreakers and teambuilders in your areas (activity groups, classroom learning, athletics, etc.) with this area in mind? WHY?

Students Need to Relate Students need to relate and to own something. Personal ownership of a group or activity helps them engage inside and outside of the classroom. Students need to relate and to own something. Personal ownership of a group or activity helps them engage inside and outside of the classroom. Same rules apply for college. Same rules apply for college. Remember where our students are developmentally – who are their influences and what is important? Remember where our students are developmentally – who are their influences and what is important? WHY?

5 PIECES For Successful Icebreakers & Teambuilders 1. RELATEto the future, team, etc. 2. BALANCEtime, activity level, program 3. ENGAGEeveryone (different ways=OK) 4. MONITORdisabilities, exceptions, outliers 5. PROCESSthe activity with questions

Activities You Can Do Check out your handouts – or find other resources – books, online, files, etc. Remember the pieces to put in place. Involve everyone and you must be committed to their success!

WHAT QUESTIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR ME?