Pac-Man or Frogger? - by Abbey Algiers
The only thing I hate more than meetings is icebreakers.
And, the only thing I hate more than icebreakers themselves are icebreakers that initially annoy me but end up being actually kind of cool.
This happened at a back-to-school meeting.
The icebreaker, called “Backpack Bingo,” went like this:
Step One: Get in a group of 4-5 people. Select one person to share the contents of their bag. Group members start to sweat, fearing theirs will be selected.
* Editor’s note. Normally, I’d be sweating too because, let’s face it, I often leave the house with random stuff in my bag. But that day, I was happy to have my bag chosen because I’d brought my Wolf River Leather bag. (Shout out to my friends Kim and Jim, the couple behind Wolf River Leather.) In this case, I figured it’d make a good conversation starter.
But back to the icebreaker.
Step Two: Locate items in the bag that align with bingo criteria -Find… something that shows you’re organized, something that shows your hobby, something that shows you travel, something that means absolutely nothing.
Since I didn’t really know the people in my group and vice versa, it was a nice way to casually tell my story. Better than, “Turn to an elbow partner (#cringe) and share what you like to do in your free time.”
The activity was fun and authentic, a true relationship builder.
It also led me to What I’d Rather Be Talking About this week:
We’re all just a step away from making new connections/friends; sometimes, we just need to open the door, share our stories… and go beyond the pleasantries, fluff, and cringy questions.
This week, I’m focusing on how we can make new connections and enrich those we already have.
With that, let’s connect!
Abbey
Photo by Lee Myungseong on Unsplash
I started out this newsletter talking about the importance of making genuine connections and how to share our stories authentically.
But how about applying that concept to our everyday lives and really having some good (and fun) convos with the people we see every day?
I’m talking about ditching the “How was your day, dear” routine and either having some fun with some random rapid-fire questioning or taking the time to get deep on something. It might just take your relationships to a whole new level.
If that feels way too awkward, check out these sites with questions for:
Whatever you choose, the point is… let’s be real, and more importantly… let’s truly get to know and appreciate those we’re with.
Until next week,
Abbey
P.S. And if you’re wondering, I’m a Pac-Man girl all the way. You?
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