Alien, Tiger, Cow
fun warm-up game played in pairs or large group game
fun warm-up game played in pairs or large group game
This exercise gives participants a fast, visual way to check in with how meaningful and purposeful their work currently feels, across four distinct dimensions, rather than as one vague feeling. Rooted in the Map of Meaning framework, it separates the daily felt experience of work from the bigger picture it serves, and shows people where they're thriving and where something has quietly gone neglected. Ideal for individual coaching, team check-ins, wellbeing programs, and leadership development, wherever a quick but genuine pulse check on meaning is useful.
The purpose of this simple exercise is to demonstrate three key principles useful for creativity and idea generation: quantity is a condition for quality; building on the ideas of others; the ideas we come up with are usually all the same. The format is simple, with small groups standing and drawing apples. At the end of the exercise, the whole group reflects and draws out learnings and reflections.
This exercise is useful for bringing groups together, to create interpersonal bonds, and to build trust. Participants stand opposite each other and have 30 seconds to give appreciative feedback to the other person. The group rotates until everyone has given feedback to everyone else. It is often used as part of wrap-up activities, to create an energized feeling to leave with.
This creative method invites participants to bring a possible future to life by designing or imagining a tangible object from that world. In the same way that we have historical artefacts from the past, this exercise is all about creating a tangible “artefact from the future.” It’s a way to make abstract scenarios feel real, prompting empathy, engagement, and grounded conversation.
Artefacts from the future can be run in a 2D or 3D approach.
When adopting the 3D approach, this method shifts participants into a making mindset. This engages their analytical thinking as well as intuition, improvisation, and embodied creativity. This helps surface insights that might not emerge through discussion or writing alone.
An easy energiser using Zoom virtual backgrounds (with some non-Zoom options)
Regular, effective feedback is one of the most important ingredients in building constructive relationships and thriving teams. Openness creates trust and trust creates more openness. Feedback exercises aim to support groups to build trust and openness and for individuals to gain self-awareness and insight. Feedback exercises should always be led with thoughtfulness and high awareness of group dynamics.
Add bowls full of questions to the coffee break or lunch tables during your event to encourage people to deepen their connections.