Facilitation Techniques and Workshop Activities | Library

Fist to five

decision making vote empowerment practice

Fist to Five is quality voting. It has the elements of consensus built in and can prepare groups to transition into consensus if they wish. Most people are accustomed to the simplicity of “yes” and “no” voting rather than the complex and more community-oriented consensus method of decision making. Fist to Five introduces the element of the quality of the “yes.” A fist is a “no” and any number of fingers is a “yes,” with an indication of how good a “yes” it is. This moves a group away from quantity voting to quality voting, which is considerably more informative. Fist to Five can also be used during consensus decision making as a way to check the “sense of the group,” or to check the quality of the consensus.

1/2/3 - Snap/Clap/Stomp

listening and awareness cooperation connection collaboration teambuilding energizer energiser applied improv

In pairs count to 3. Then replace 1 with snap, 2 with clap, 3 with stomp

Abigail Story

emotional intelligence conflict conflict management group dynamics meeting facilitation

Participants will be split in groups and will have to decide on a ranking of the characters from the story.

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gamestorming action prioritization

This game has been designed to help prioritize different ideas or items in a quick and energetic way without getting stuck in endless discussions and avoiding any kind of influencing. It is similar to 20-20 game as it will compare items in pairs.

Data Mining

review thiagi closing issue analysis

Here's a game that can be used in a content-heavy training session that relies on reference manuals. It is a combination of a textra game and an interactive storytelling activity.

Missing Step

process issue analysis thiagi teamwork critical thinking

Many training topics involve procedures or processes (e.g. Team formation process; a product launching process, etc.). Here's an interactive lecture design that encourages the participants to go beyond the content of the presentation and critically examine the steps of the procedure or phases of the process. Use This Strategy When: * The training content is a procedure with different steps or a process with different phases. * The participants know something about the procedure or process and can conduct a group discussion.

The Sketch Game

hyperisland diversity inclusion opening culture team culture change

A drawing exercise that shows us how we can have different perspectives on various subjects and/or objects - demonstrating cultural diversities. It can help us unlock some of our unconscious assumptions and biases. The task is fairly simple to execute and doesn’t require more than 6 A4 pages/or post-its and a pen for each participant, or a Miro/Mural or virtual whiteboard.

AIR Feedback Model

hyperisland feedback team

Constructive feedback is feedback regarding an individual’s performance that can be used to build (construct) connection, successful habits and behaviors. The constructive (building) component is key because with this mindset and approach, seemingly negative feedback doesn’t become discouraging. Rather, a launch pad for creating opportunities for learning and development.

Repeat / Reword / Support

active listening listening and awareness improv game relationship relationships em

Partner A either repeats, rewords, or supports Partner B's statement before adding their own dialogue.

Whispers

debriefing closing thiagi action team

You can use Whispers as a follow-up activity to any interesting experience among a group of friends. It's my favorite game to informally debrief my colleagues at the airport or during the drive back after a conference.

Draw me a cat 😸

neurodiversity remote-friendly disability energizer inclusion energiser

A quick drawing activity to better understand neurodiversity.

Workers and Watchers

thiagi debriefing energiser closing

Blindfold half of the participants and ask them to lay a rope on the floor in the form of a circle. Conduct a quick debriefing involving the blindfolded workers and the watchers. Blindfold the other half and give them the task of laying the rope on the floor in the form of a triangle. Continue with the debriefing discussion.

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