14 and a half workshop icebreakers exercises for coaches

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Check us out at www.thecoachingtoolscompany.com Page 2 of 19 SSiimmpplliicciittyy LLiiffee CCooaacchhiinngg LLttdd.. 22001111 The Coaching Tools Company is a division of SSiimmpplliicciittyy LLiiffee CCooaacchhiinngg LLttdd..

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eexxeerrcciisseess!! II hhaadd aa lloott ooff ffuunn ppuuttttiinngg tthhiiss ttooggeetthheerr ffoorr yyoouu..

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"If an audience only listens, they take away 12% of your content. By making it more visual, you can increase audience comprehension and remembrance to 26%. But when you actually get

them involved and responding, their understanding and 'take away' goes up to 51%." Mark Lavergne

Please Note: We cannot accept responsibility for any liability which arises from the use of any of these free team building exercises or ideas. Always ensure that you have proper insurance in place for all workshop activities, games or exercises and take extra care when working with young people and children.

Disclaimer: Reliance on information, material, advice, or other linked or recommended resources received from The Coaching Tools Company.com shall be at your sole risk, and The Coaching Tools Company.com assumes no responsibility for any errors, omissions, or damages arising. You are encouraged to seek qualified advice if embarking on any actions that could carry personal or organizational liabilities. Managing people and relationships are sensitive activities; the free material and suggestions do not provide all necessary safeguards and checks. Please retain this notice on all copies.


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Whenever you're creating a workshop the first place to start is always, "What is my intention? What am I trying to achieve?" And the same thing goes with using exercises in your workshops and seminars ‐ for each exercise you have in your workshop it needs to be 1) Relevant to the topic and 2) Have a clear intention or purpose. We hope you enjoy these exercises ‐ and find some that will help you run more fun and effective workshops!

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IICCEEBBRREEAAKKEERR && IINNTTRROODDUUCCTTIIOONN EEXXEERRCCIISSEESS ........................................................... 4

11.. ""WWhhaatt''ss MMyy DDrreeaamm??"" ................................................................................................................4

22.. ""II''mm aa PPiigg!!""................................................................................................................................5

33.. ""HHooww OOtthheerrss SSeeee MMee"" ...............................................................................................................6

44.. ""TTiicc--TTaacc--TTooee SSccaavveennggeerr HHuunntt"" .................................................................................................8

WWOORRKKSSHHOOPP ''MMAAIINN BBOODDYY'' EEXXEERRCCIISSEESS ...................................................................... 9

55.. ""UUnnuussuuaall FFaacctt"" ..........................................................................................................................9

66.. ""MMeessssaaggeess ffrroomm WWiitthhiinn"" ..........................................................................................................10

77.. ""TTrruuee oorr FFaallssee!!"" .......................................................................................................................11

77½½.. ""TTrruuee oorr FFaallssee"" vv22 ................................................................................................................11

88.. ""77 WWoorrddss"" ...............................................................................................................................12

99.. ""WWaallkkiinngg iinn SSoommeeoonnee EEllssee''ss SShhooeess"" ..........................................................................................13

1100.. ""TTaakkee aa SSttaanndd!!"" ....................................................................................................................14

WWRRAAPP--UUPP EEXXEERRCCIISSEESS................................................................................................ 15

1111.. ""AAccttiioonn BBrraaiinnssttoorrmmiinngg"" ..........................................................................................................15

1122.. ""RReeaarrvviieeww MMiirrrroorr"" ..................................................................................................................16

1133.. ""TThhee BBiiggggeesstt TThhiinngg II LLeeaarrnneedd……""...........................................................................................17

1144.. ""NNoottee ttoo SSeellff"".........................................................................................................................18


IIcceebbrreeaakkeerr aanndd IInnttrroodduuccttiioonn EExxeerrcciisseess

11.. ""WWhhaatt''ss MMyy DDrreeaamm??"" -- NNaammee BBaaddggeess

This is a super simple and fun way to help people introduce themselves, break the ice AND get people into a coaching frame of mind by asking a question that ties in with the theme of whatever workshop you are doing.

Especially Good for: Groups of all sizes, Networking Groups, Building Rapport & Connection, Introducing Workshop Theme.

Equipment Needed: Name Badges, Pens (coloured pens are good)

Steps:

11.. When people arrive at your workshop, give them a name badge.

22.. Underneath their name, ask them to answer a Coaching Question. Questions could be, "If I had a Magic Wand I would _______ ?", "What would you like More of in life?", "What would you like Less of in life?", "What does Balance mean to you?" or "What's Your Dream?"

33.. Then when people mingle they will notice each other's names, and the answer to the question becomes an instant talking point ‐ kick‐starting your workshop for you!

Adapting the Exercise: Pick a question that's relevant to coaching or to what you're teaching in your workshop. You could also get people to 'draw' a question randomly and put the answer on their name badge ‐ then as well as having the answers to discuss ‐ they must first guess the question that was asked!


22.. ""II''mm aa PPiigg!!"" -- CChhiinneessee AAnniimmaallss

This is a great way to do introductions and get your participants warmed up. And it's especially relevant to use around Chinese New Year ‐ when we might be running Goal‐Related Workshops! This way of introducing usually gets people laughing ‐ as they say, "Hi, my name is Edna and I'm a Pig!" or "My name is Bob and I'm a Virgin!"

Especially Good for: Women, Networking groups, Medium‐Sized Groups, Short Seminars, Getting a Laugh, Initial Group Bonding.

Equipment Needed: None

Steps:

11.. Simply ask everyone to share their first name ‐ and their Chinese Astrological Sign. Ask them to introduce themselves in this format, "My name is _____ and I'm a _____" NB. The Chinese Astrological Signs are Hare/Rabbit, Dragon, Snake or Serpent, Horse, Ram or Sheep, Monkey, Cockerel or Rooster, Dog, Boar or Pig, Rat, Ox or Tiger.

22.. Not everyone will know their Chinese sign. If they don't they can share their Sun‐sign symbol. These are Aquarius (Water‐Bearer), Pisces (Fish), Aries (Ram), Taurus (Bull), Gemini (Twins), Cancer (Crab), Leo (Lion), Virgo (Virgin), Libra (Scales), Scorpio (Scorpion), Sagittarius (Archer), Capricorn (Sea Goat!)

33.. It's good to allow other group members to help someone figure out their sign/symbol ‐ as it's a great way for the group to work together and begin to bond.

Adapting the Exercise: Get creative! Find something that tailors to your group demographic or workshop topic.

Watch out for: Be sure there isn't anyone who will find this exercise offensive eg. different cultures or extremely religious people. And either make sure some of your group are likely to know what their 'Chinese Animal' is ‐ or provide them with a chart to check on the way in (these are freely available on the internet, just search for Chinese Astrological Sign and Image).


33.. ""HHooww OOtthheerrss SSeeee MMee!!""

I posted this Icebreaker on our Launchpad Blog recently, but it's such a good one I'm also including it here. I started using this icebreaking exercise in my workshops a few years ago ‐ and people always love it. It's very simple ‐ and can easily be adapted for different groups to boost confidence, build teams, identify strengths and much more!

Especially Good for: Anyone, Getting People Moving, Boosting Energy, Strengths, First Impressions, Feeling Good about Ourselves, Confidence‐building, Intuition‐building, Team‐building.

Equipment Needed: 1) Blank sheets of card or paper for each attendee (these can be plain or coloured), 2) A variety of coloured pens and 3) A few rolls of clear tape.

Steps:

11.. Everyone gets a blank piece of paper and tapes it (with help if necessary) to their back.

22.. Get people to select a coloured pen.

33.. Now ask people to move around and write on other’s people’s pieces of paper the first impression OR qualities they value most about each person.

44.. Allow up to 10 minutes depending on the number of people you have.

55.. Afterwards, it's good to give people a specific time to review their own sheet and find out what they learned about themselves... ‐ If reviewing the sheet right away ask people to circle their Favourite 3 qualities ‐ You can also ask people to fold the paper and take it home to read later on.

There are a COUPLE OF RULES: 1) People must ONLY write good, positive things. 2) It’s anonymous (so people don't sign their names).

http://www.thecoachingtoolscompany.com/launchpad/


33.. ""HHooww OOtthheerrss SSeeee MMee!!"" ccoonnttiinnuueedd……

Encourage people to:

Keep comments short AND sweet. Steer AWAY from visual qualities like 'nice sweater' or 'pretty hair' and focus on skills,

personal qualities, strengths and personality traits. Dig deep. If necessary people may need to pause for a moment and 'take in' the person

they are writing about.

Adapting the Exercise:

When people already know each other they get an idea of what people MOST VALUE about them.

If people don't already know each other, then they get an idea of the positive FIRST IMPRESSION they make on others.

For the workplace it's good to focus on what skills are valued, or what unique qualities they bring to the team.

For youth groups you could ask what they most like or admire about someone.

For women's or mom groups you could ask people to tap into their intuition.

For people who know each other really well you could ask people to write what great qualities they'd like to see that person develop and use more.

There are so many coaching opportunities with this exercise! For example, they can use the sheet for inspiration whenever they need a boost, or they can reflect on what they think is missing from the sheet ‐ and why that is, or they can consider any surprises that are on there ‐ and what this means to them. The possibilities are endless.

Watch out for: Sometimes it can be disappointing for people to receive what they consider to be 'boring' comments, especially when they may see people around them getting jazzy, exciting comments. This can be a great learning opportunity ‐ What would they LIKE to be known for? How could they bring more of that into their lives?


44.. ""TTiicc--TTaacc--TTooee SSccaavveennggeerr HHuunntt"" Especially Good for: Groups of all sizes, Anyone, Getting

People Moving, Networking, Team‐Building (with adaptation).

Equipment Needed: Pens and Tic‐Tac‐Toe Templates NB. Get your free "Tic‐Tac‐Toe" Sheet with 2 different sets of questions here

Steps:

11.. The aim is to complete a (Tic‐Tac‐Toe) line of questions ‐ either vertically, horizontally or diagonally on their Worksheet.

22.. They must do this by asking fellow attendees the questions on their chart to find people who meet the criteria!

33.. Once they have found someone who meets a criteria, get them to sign the appropriate box on their chart, THEN move onto a different person. They must keep moving!

44.. The first person to complete a line wins.

55.. The game ends when EVERYONE has at least one complete line. (Sometimes the entire group pulls together to help the last few stragglers complete their charts!)

Adapting the Exercise: You can change the questions to suit whatever group or learning need you might have! You'll need 9 questions per sheet ‐ and I like to do 2 sheets that are similar, but different. You can also get people into teams and get them to complete the entire sheet but they only get one sheet per team. Then ask questions afterwards about how they worked together, what strategies they followed etc.

Watch out for: "Cheating" by participants ‐ once they have a question met they MUST move on to the next person. Also, make sure the personal level of the questions is appropriate for the situation. The questions for a group of women on a stagette or hen night will be very different than the questions you pick for a group of lawyers!

http://www.thecoachingtoolscompany.com/Free_Resources_Seminar.php#Tic_Tac_Toe_Icebreaker


WWoorrkksshhoopp ''MMaaiinn BBooddyy'' EExxeerrcciisseess

55.. ""UUnnuussuuaall FFaacctt"" Especially Good for: Groups of 8‐10 (or put people into groups of this

size), Anyone, Team‐Building, Corporate, Building Rapport, Challenging Assumptions and Stereotypes, Hidden Agendas/Politics, What is Winning?

Equipment Needed: 1) Pens (ideally the same colour) and 2) Matching (equal‐sized/same colour) pieces of paper.

Steps:

11.. In small groups ‐ ask everyone to write down (neatly in capital letters) something unusual or that no‐one would guess about them (real life examples include being a 2nd Dan Black belt in Tae Kwon Do, collecting stamps, being a mushroom/fungi expert).

22.. As workshop leader, take each fact in turn and read it out loud, asking the group to discuss and guess who the unusual fact belongs to.

33.. The person whose fact it is has to steer the group AWAY from the fact that belongs to them.

44.. ALL the facts must be read out and discussed BEFORE the final 'decision' of which fact belongs to which person.

55.. Finally, the group must 'decide' who owns each fact ‐ giving the piece of paper with the fact on to the appropriate person.

66.. The Group 'wins' for every fact they accurately assign, and the individuals 'win' if they avoided being given their correct fact. NB. There is no 'scoring' done for this exercise.

Exploring the Exercise: This exercise is a lot of fun to observe how the group works together and how they work with each other. There is a great discussion point around hidden agendas: When it's not their fact ‐ people work with the group, but when it's about them, they work against the group. You can also discuss what is winning ‐ why it's so important/is having fun equally important?, assumptions, stereotyping ‐ and more!

Watch out for: It's good at the start to set the scene about the importance of acceptance. Statements and discussion about the 'unusual' facts should therefore avoid labelling and judgements.


66.. ""MMeessssaaggeess ffrroomm WWiitthhiinn""

This is a reflective task to help people go inwards. I am still constantly surprised with what people observe and learn from this exercise.

Especially Good for: Smaller, more intimate workshops, Women, Moms, Youth (if workshop run sensitively), Intuition‐building, Reflecting and Reconnecting with Self (men and women).

Equipment Needed: A series of objects for people to choose from ‐ at least 50% more than you have workshop attendees although double the amount is better. See adapting the exercise below for object ideas.

Steps:

11.. Ask people to select an object from those provided. This can be as they enter the workshop, or when you are ready to do the exercise. NB. They're not supposed to think about it too hard, just pick whatever catches their eye, speaks to them or draws them in.

22.. Then ask them, " What drew you to the object you picked". What does the object say about them, where they are at in life, where they want to be in life? Either: a) Ask them to journal around why they picked the object b) Send them off to have a 'break' (where they can reflect further ‐ or discuss with others) c) Get them into groups of 3 or 4 to discuss their objects and why they picked them.

33.. Once they have considered and journalled or discussed why they picked their object, get everyone to share their learnings with the group.

Adapting the Exercise: The objects can be natural (feather, stones, leaves, crystals), un‐natural (a key, a spring, a battery, a safety pin) or a mix of both. You can also include fun items (plastic spider, matchbox car, a coloured marble) or a vase of different wildflowers you have picked etc. And you can also ask people to bring something to the workshop that represents them ‐ it could be how they are in the workplace, it could be something that represents where they are in life. There are so many different directions to go with this exercise ‐ tailor it to your workshop needs.

Watch out for: This exercise can be surprisingly personal and revealing. Make sure there trust has been built between participants before they share their learnings with others.


77.. ""TTrruuee oorr FFaallssee??""

Especially Good for: Groups of 5‐15 (or put people into groups of this size), Anyone (good for youth, workplace, moms, networking groups), Building Rapport, Challenging Assumptions.

Equipment Needed: None.

Steps:

11.. Get people into a circle and ask people to think of 3 statements about themselves ‐ ONE of these statements is to be TRUE and two must be untrue.

22.. Everyone takes it in turn to say their 3 statements.

33.. For each person's statements, ask everyone in turn to guess which is the TRUE statement. Alternatively you can ask for a show of hands as to which statement is the true statement.

44.. Once everyone has revealed their true statements, it's a great opportunity to explore and discuss assumptions ‐ and to review what they've learned bout each other.

Adapting the Exercise: You can also read true or false statements related to your workshop topic that are shocking, interesting or surprising. A further adaptation (especially if your audience is tired) is to ask people to stand up if they think it's true and stay sitting if they think it's false.

Watch out for: Depending on your audience, watch out for judgement or criticism ‐ and be prepared to use any that comes up as a discussion point.

77 ½½.. ""TTrruuee oorr FFaallssee"" vv22 ((AAsssseessss yyoouurr AAuuddiieennccee))

Additionally you can adapt the "True or False" exercise above so that you get workshop attendees to stand up if they have experienced what you describe and stay seated if they haven't. You can ask questions like, "Who here has hired a coach before?" or "Feelings are for sissies" or "Who was told they had to be here?" You get the idea!

This is a great tool to assess your audience and find out how people are likely to feel /react to your topic before you start!


88.. ""77 WWoorrddss""

Sadly I don't remember where I first came across this exercise, but it was so much fun it's stuck with me. It's a great way to give a taster of coaching, and there are guaranteed laughs as both parties struggle to communicate in a limited way!

Especially Good for: Groups of all sizes (put people into pairs), Anyone, Decision‐Making, What is Coaching, Fun and Laughter.


Steps:

11.. Ask people to think of a goal or an issue (however big or small) that they would like some clarity on or to make a decision around.

22.. Once they have done this, ask people to get into pairs. Each will take it in turns to be the 'Client' and the 'Coach'.

33.. Now say that they're going to do a fast‐paced exercise and explain the process below (without sharing 'the big idea').

44.. The 'Coach' asks the 'Client' to express their issue/goal in EXACTLY 7 words

55.. Then the 'Coach' asks a question related to that issue/goal ‐ also in EXACTLY 7 words

66.. The 'Client' must answer in EXACTLY 6 words

77.. Then the 'Coach' asks a question in EXACTLY 6 words

88.. The Client must answer in EXACTLY 5 words And so on until...

99.. the 'Coach' asks the final question in EXACTLY 2 words

1100.. The exercise ENDS with the 'Client' making a decision in JUST 1 word! NB. Remind them that 'The Trick' is to do it FAST and get a 'pace' going.

1111.. Finally, get the 'Coach' and 'Client' to swap roles and do it again!

The Big Idea: Due to the speed and the limited number words used to both ask and reply, both parties have to really focus on the core of the issue or goal. In addition, this exercise creates a shortcut to the 'Client's' sub‐conscious mind (ie. what they REALLY want) as the conscious mind gets tied up counting the number of words.

Adapting the Exercise: You could also use this around a workplace issue or decision that needs to be made. Get the group to agree what the issue, goal or decision is. Then get everyone into pairs and do the exercise as outlined above. Finally get each pair to come back to the group and share their findings/learnings and decision made…


99.. ""WWaallkkiinngg iinn SSoommeeoonnee EEllssee''ss SShhooeess""

I first did this exercise on my NLP Practitioner course at Erickson College in Vancouver, Canada. I was surprised by what I learned about myself ‐ and about the body‐mind connection.

Especially Good for: Groups of all sizes (put people into pairs), Anyone, Observation Skills, Building Empathy, Mind‐Body connection.


Steps:

11.. Get everybody into pairs and as them to remove their shoes.

22.. The High Level explanation? Each pair takes it in turns to follow each other around the room!

33.. The Leader: Ask the person doing the leading to walk normally.

44.. The Follower: Ask the person doing the following to copy as many of the leader's bodily movements as possible. This is a real opportunity to pay attention and observe. Things to watch for include angle of feet, bounce of walk, what are the arms doing, shoulders doing, head doing, length of stride, speed and much more. NB. This is not about just 'mimicking' someone else's walk or gait, this is an opportunity to understand first‐hand a different way of experiencing the world.

55.. The follower should keep attempting to refine their mimicking of the walk for a couple of minutes.

66.. Then, have the pair swap sides so the leader becomes the follower. Repeat the process.

77.. Finally, ask people to discuss what they noticed and how they felt during this exercise ‐ both as the 'follower' and the 'followed'. It can be good to do this first in pairs ‐ and then bring everyone back to share key learnings with the rest of the class.

88.. Learnings from this exercise form a great opportunity to discuss empathy and the mind‐body connection.

Extending the Exercise: You can also give homework for people to reflect further on this. When we walk a certain way, what might we think and feel? If they shifted certain aspects of their walk, how does this change what they think, how they see the world, how they feel about themselves?

Watch out for: This exercise can be very revealing ‐ and feel very personal. I suggest there is some trust‐building, rapport‐building work done before the pairings.


1100.. ""TTaakkee aa SSttaanndd!!""

This exercise is great for getting people to stand for what they believe in ‐ part of a healthy, authentic self. It can also be really helpful to gauge people's opinions on a subject ‐ whether it's in the workplace, around your workshop subject or on the world at large.

Especially Good for: Groups of all sizes, Anyone, Building Understanding, Standing up for What You Believe in, Allowing a Variety of Viewpoints, Exploring Decision Making, Discuss Issues.

Equipment Needed: 4 walls or areas and 4 Signs with 1) Strongly Agree, 2) Agree, 3) Disagree and 4) Strongly Disagree on them.

Steps:

11.. Ask everyone to stand in the centre of the room.

22.. Make statements on the subjects that you wish people to "Take a Stand" on. NB. It's good to warm people up with some easy, less contentious questions to start with ‐ or even something funny! Examples of questions could be, "I believe positive thinking can fix anything", or "I can make a difference in the world", or "I need 8 hours sleep to perform well" or "Human beings are 100% responsible for Climate Change."

33.. Ask everyone to go to the wall that most represents their response to your statement.

44.. Ask a few people at each wall why they chose that wall/response.

55.. If there are just one or two people on a wall, you can ask them what it feels like to be different, to "take a stand".

Adapting the Exercise: You can ask people what it would take for them to move from Agree to Strongly Agree, or to switch from Disagree to Agree. Another angle is to ask people to swap to their opposite walls (Agree ‐> Disagree and vice versa), then discuss what it physically and mentally feels like to be there. Get the class to describe and explore their discomfort. How is this similar to when someone forces their opinions on you? You can also explore how they make decisions ‐ how consciously are they choosing? What is the difference between a preference, attitude, value, feeling, belief or habit? Do they have enough information ‐ or do they need to find out more? Finally, it can be interesting to look at 'demographics' or explore issues with this exercise ‐ like gender, sexuality, ethnicity etc. There are so many ways to adapt and extend this exercise ‐ it's really up to you!

Watch out for: Are you getting people's real reactions or are some people feeling pressured to respond in a certain way? This can be a great coaching opportunity…


WWrraapp--uupp EExxeerrcciisseess

1111.. ""AAccttiioonn BBrraaiinnssttoorrmmiinngg""

This easy and usable for ANY workshop wrap‐up simply asks, "From what you have learned, what behaviours will you STOP, MINIMISE, KEEP DOING, do MORE of and which will you START?" Especially Good for: Groups of all sizes, Anyone, Solidifying Learning

and Facilitating Change. Equipment Needed: Worksheet.

Get your Free "Action Brainstorming" Template here Steps:

At the end of your presentation, give out the Action Brainstorming Worksheet and ask attendees to complete it.

NB. You can ask people to do this alone, but it can be good to do this in groups of 3‐5. As people brainstorm ideas for actions in each of the sections ‐ they solidify their learning and remind each other of the workshop content as each person considers and shares what they will do differently. Adapting the Exercise: While this coaching tool is great as a wrap‐up for workshops and seminars, you could also give it out at the beginning of a workshop and ask people to make notes AS the workshop progresses. They won't need to commit to these actions ‐ it's just a way of capturing ideas, and getting your attendees to think about what this means for them and their behaviour all the way through your presentation.

http://www.thecoachingtoolscompany.com/Free_Resources_Seminar.php#Action_Brainstorming_Coaching_Tool


1122.. ""RReeaarrvviieeww MMiirrrroorr""

Exercise adapted and extended from "Games for Social and Life Skills" by Tim Bond. Especially Good for: Groups of all sizes, Anyone.

Equipment Needed: None (optional paper and pens). Steps:

11.. Ask everyone to take a few deep breaths and place both their feet/feel their feet flat on the floor.

22.. Then ask each person to begin to think about what they have taken away from this session.

33.. Next ask people to now imagine they are in a car driving away from this session ‐ and as they look in the rearview mirror they see this workshop/session. What is the most powerful image they see reflected in the mirror? It could be a personal learning, a commitment, a general sense of 'something', a feeling, an event, an inspiration ‐ anything at all.

44.. NB. They are not to FORCE anything ‐ just to let an image form. Tell them it may take a few moments or it may 'pop' into their rearview mirror.

55.. Give everyone a few moments, then depending on the size of the group: a) Go round the group and ask each person to share their image until everyone has had a turn. b) If the group is too big to do this effectively or within the time allowed, ask people to get into groups of 2‐5 (you choose) to share their image.

Adapting the Exercise: You can also make this a group exercise by putting up a piece of paper 4‐6 ft wide (or wider if it's a large group) that represents the "Rearview Mirror". Then, using coloured pens, ask people to draw or sum up the image they saw in their rearview mirror. Afterwards, get everyone to look at the finished artwork ‐ which expresses the group experience! What themes and similarities are there? What is not there?

Watch out for: Some people may have trouble coming up with an image. If necessary, give them a magic wand and ask them to wave it and allow the image to form. And let them know that their "Rearview Mirror" view could also be a word, a sound or a feeling.


1133.. ""TThhee BBiiggggeesstt TThhiinngg II LLeeaarrnneedd……""

This is the absolute minimum to wrap‐up any workshop. It's so important for people to be given time to think and verbalize what they've gained from their session with you! Get them thinking positively and reflecting on their learning and/or taking action and then verbalizing it ‐ either to a larger group or to each other. Especially Good for: Groups of all sizes, Anyone, Solidifying

Learning.

Equipment Needed: Nothing. Steps: This can be a purely verbal ‐ or a written exercise. You decide. Then depending on the size of the group:

11.. Smaller Group ‐ go round the room and ask each person to share their "Biggest Win" from the workshop today.

22.. Larger Group ‐ Ask everyone to turn to the person next to them and share their "Biggest Win" from the workshop today.

Adapting the Exercise: You can amend, adapt or expand this exercise by asking different or additional questions like ‐ what are their goals following the session? / what they are grateful or thankful for? / the 3 top things they have learned from the session? / how they feel differently as a result of the workshop / an action they are committed to as a result of the session? etc. The main thing is to make sure that what you ask is something important related to the workshop or goal of the workshop. Get creative!


1144.. ""NNoottee ttoo SSeellff""

Especially Good for: Groups of all sizes, Anyone, Personal Reflection, Vision and Goal Workshops.

Equipment Needed: Pen, Paper or Postcards, Envelopes, Stamps.

Steps:

11.. Give each person 1) paper or postcard and 2) an envelope.

22.. Ask each person to write a note to themselves ‐ including today's date ‐ highlighting key points they have learned from your workshop, or things they would like to bring more of into their life, or perhaps an inspiring or thoughtful message for themselves.

33.. Next, ask each person to fill out their addresses on the envelopes, put in their "Note to Self" and seal the envelope.

44.. 3/6/12 months later, you post the "Notes to Self" to your workshop attendees.

Adapting the Exercise: You can ask the attendees to put anything you want on there. It could be goals, learnings, dreams, questions, reminders. Tie into your workshop subject ‐ and get creative!

Watch out for: This is an exercise that some people may have done before, so try and jazz it up if you can ‐ and remember to post the letters when you say you will!

NB. This is also a great way to (passively) remind your workshop attendees of who you are/what you do. So, get them to write this message to themselves on some paper or a postcard headed up with your name and contact details.


We hope you enjoyed this exclusive holiday gift!

You may also find our Free Seminar Checklist helpful . And remember ‐ there is always a huge range of coaching tools and exercises

that make great workshop worksheets available in our Coaching Tools Catalogue!

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About the author: Emma‐Louise Elsey is the CEO of Simplicity Life Coaching Ltd. (The Coaching Tools Company.com is a division of Simplicity Life Coaching Ltd.) She is a certified Life Coach, NLP practitioner and recovering perfectionist who loves questions, quotes, creating coaching tools, writing and over the years has worked with many successful professionals and business owners.

Free Coaching Tools: So, for inspiration, there are many free coaching tools and templates at TheCoachingToolsCompany.com There are also free coaching questions to get clients unstuck, set extraordinary goals as well as business templates for new coaches and seminar organization templates. And we add new Coaching Tools and Free Resources on a regular basis!

And while you’re there, you may want to sign‐up for our monthly ezine ‐ The Launch Pad ‐ and get my all‐time favourite tool “Troll Travels ‐ Who am I?” as a sign‐up gift. Be the first to hear about new tools, get special discounts and links to other useful coaching resources!

Finally, we love to meet new people ‐ so perhaps you’ll connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn! And if you have any other questions or suggestions ‐ just give me a shout, I’d love to hear from you!

Please Note: We cannot accept responsibility for any liability which arises from the use of any of these free team building exercises or ideas. Always ensure that you have proper insurance in place for all workshop activities, games or exercises and take extra care when working with young people and children.

Disclaimer: Reliance on information, material, advice, or other linked or recommended resources received from The Coaching Tools Company.com shall be at your sole risk, and The Coaching Tools Company.com assumes no responsibility for any errors, omissions, or damages arising. You are encouraged to seek qualified advice if embarking on any actions that could carry personal or organizational liabilities. Managing people and relationships are sensitive activities; the free material and suggestions do not provide all necessary safeguards and checks. Please retain this notice on all copies.

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14 and a half workshop icebreakers exercises for coaches