Everyone Is Important The very nature of group activities models a vital premise – every individual is important to the success of the group. By planning and preparing for interaction, the presenter demonstrates that conversation, collaboration, congeniality and colleagialty are integral to the culture of the group. Everyone is Important ! 12/5/2018 Sue A. Davis, DAGC

Everyone Is Important Group Dynamics Well chosen activities can foster better group dynamics so the meeting starts or proceeds smoothly. Carefully selected activities can help set the climate. People form impressions quickly – whether it is an impression of a person or a meeting. It is very difficult to change perceptions. Savvy presenters and facilitators will set a positive impression from beginning to end and during a meeting. 12/5/2018 Sue A. Davis, DAGC

Icebreakers Short, interactive “games” that help start off a meeting. Everyone Is Important Icebreakers Short, interactive “games” that help start off a meeting. Introductory exercises. Reduce inherent tension participants feel at the beginning of a learning session. Allow presenter to gauge the level of the audience’s willingness to participate in activities. 12/5/2018 Sue A. Davis, DAGC

Characteristics of Icebreakers Everyone Is Important Characteristics of Icebreakers Allow people to meet Help participants become better acquainted with each other Create a positive group atmosphere Help people to relax Break down social barriers Energize and motivate Capture attention Introduce material and / or illustrate new concepts or ideas Stimulate creative thinking 12/5/2018 Sue A. Davis, DAGC

Icebreakers in Other Situations Everyone Is Important Icebreakers in Other Situations Before delivering unpopular news (layoffs, change in strategy, elimination of a program or product line, changes in compensations or benefits, et al). Conflict in a group that causes the group to be stymied. Participants suffering from “information overload”. New leadership addressing the group. 12/5/2018 Sue A. Davis, DAGC

Energizers Very short activities. Everyone Is Important Energizers Very short activities. Designed to wake up, refocus, and invigorate participants after a long session of information “getting.” Based on brain research. 12/5/2018 Sue A. Davis, DAGC

Characteristics of Energizers Everyone Is Important Characteristics of Energizers Usually require large muscle movements from the participants. May be loud and boisterous. Could utilize music, dance, exercise and humor. Last no longer than 5 minutes. 12/5/2018 Sue A. Davis, DAGC

Team Building Activities Everyone Is Important Team Building Activities Designed to solve an organizational problem. Based on and builds mutual trust. Reinforces shared mission and common purpose. According to the activity and the problem, generates real world accomplishment. 12/5/2018 Sue A. Davis, DAGC

Team Building Characteristics Everyone Is Important Complementing adult learning theory, team building activities acknowledge the interests and expertise of participants. By focusing on real work, participants are more likely to invest themselves in the process and solution to the problem presented. Mutual accountability and trust become evident as the team meets success together. Team building activities take time during the meeting. 12/5/2018 Sue A. Davis, DAGC

You and I are Important ! Our teammates and table groups need me. Everyone Is Important Our teammates and table groups need me. I bring experiences to the dialogue that no one else has. My expertise deepens the discussions of issues and problems. 12/5/2018 Sue A. Davis, DAGC