1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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