One way to build trust is to learn about people. When we learn about people’s backgrounds, interests, and perspectives, we begin to understand who they are. This deeper understanding and willingness to share our histories creates a bond and connection.
“Step in the Circle” is designed to encourage people to share their lives with each other. In about 10 minutes you will learn things about your team, that you never knew.
I experienced this activity at a workshop with about 90 people present. The leaders wanted to quickly break down barriers and create some bonding by asking us to open up and share information about ourselves. Some of their questions were personal and required the willingness to be vulnerable to answer them. I was amazed at the range of emotions I had while responding and watching others step in and out of the circle.
This activity could also be done with light-hearted and fun questions or even with questions focused on the team. Our leaders mixed it up by asking some fun and very personal questions.
This can work with any size group if you have a large enough space so that everyone can see each other.
Below are examples of questions you might ask depending upon the purpose of this activity. Feel free to make up your own too.
Use the Step in the Circle activity when you want to get a group to break down barriers and get to know each other. Decide which questions you want to ask to allow for meaningful and/or fun discoveries about the team or group.
About the Author: Leigh Ann Rodgers, Founder of Better Teams and Forward, is an IAF Certified Professional Facilitator with 20 years of experience in the human development field. Leigh Ann is a skilled meeting facilitator, trainer, and coach working across the globe to help leaders cultivate teams that are happy and high-performing.
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4 Comments
Leigh Ann, love this one. It’s easy and does not require any set up. I recently facilitated a couple of exercises for a team meeting where the staff came from three different geographical regions. Some of them had never met in person, so it is always fun when people “put a name with the face.” This game would be perfect for them to get to know each other and begin to build trust.
Agreed Susan – and it opens the door to start a conversation later about something they have in common or they found interesting about the other. Glad you like it!
Leighann,
I just love your stuff! Whenever I feel stuck in a rut with my usual go-to activities, I come to your website and get re-energized. Thanks for your efforts to keep the work I do engaging and meaningful!
Thanks Becky – that is music to my ears. I just tested some new activities and will be blogging about them in the coming weeks.