The forced choice activity can be facilitated during training and working meetings to better understand the viewpoints of your group about a particular topic. I learned this engagement from Mark Smith*, CEO of Leadership Resource Institute and author of The Distinctive Leader, when we co-facilitated his Distinctive Leadership course. Mark and I used the activity to drive home the importance …
The truth is: Belonging starts with self-acceptance. Your level of belonging, in fact, can never be greater than your level of self-acceptance, because believing that you’re enough is what gives you the courage to be authentic, vulnerable and imperfect. Brene Brown It is rare that I meet a leader that doesn’t self-identify as an achiever. If you are reading this, …
In a recent Better Teams survey 38% of respondents cited trust as their biggest team related challenge. Building and maintaining trust is one of the most prevalent challenges for leaders. Without psychological safety teams struggle with the work as well as interpersonally. Why is trust such a sticking point for teams? Perhaps it is the fundamental need we have to …
People Mapping is a fun, energizing icebreaker that can be used to emphasize the value of having different perspectives on a team. In this 5-minute activity, the room you are in becomes a metaphorical map and participants move to the place on the map that represents where they live. I experienced this activity first hand when Steve Bush*, Managing Director …
Do you know the five things that will increase your team’s motivation and commitment to the work? David Rock’s SCARF Model describes the five domains that ignite threats or rewards. These five areas are critical to consider when leading others. Leaders need to be mindful that all five domains are important to motivate and influence others. When teams believe they …
Here is a fun (and tasty) team activity you can easily execute in about 5 minutes during your team meeting. In short, candy is placed on the table and each person guesses whose favorite candy it is. The activity is followed by eating the candy…and who doesn’t enjoy that? A big shout out to Catherine Piper, Team Lead for Incident …
To get instant access to this FREE on-demand webinar, just click this link: On-Demand Webinar:Dramatically Improve Your Team Dynamics. The webinar is 40 minutes and packed with information to help you as a leader. Here is what you will learn: The attributes and preferences of the 4 DISC communication styles Why teams are ripe for miscommunication (and what to do about …
If you are about to facilitate a meeting about a change, you have a potential conundrum on your hands. The very thought of a significant change creates stress and raises our blood pressure; yet, we think and process more effectively when we are in a positive state of mind. By applying some of the latest neuroscience, we can increase participant …
Beyond the workplace it is easy to think of examples where rituals unite, motivate and ready a “team” to excel together. Imagine a sports team repeating a specific chant (with hand motions) before running out onto the field. Picture the cast of a play saying “Break a Leg” as their places are called. Think of a ritual your family has …
Want to have a little fun with your team on Valentine’s Day? Here is a simple and fun QuickConnect (icebreaker) you can do with your team in less than 10 minutes. Supplies: Candy conversation hearts (I used Brach’s® Large Conversation Hearts) Paper and pens (Optional) prizes for the winning group A good sense of humor …
