Authentic Connection: 10 Things in Common Opener Activity

Inflexion June 22, 2023

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The common denominator is that all types of icebreakers can help build stronger team connections.

– Jonathan Thompson

INTRO

This introductory icebreaker is an extremely effective way of encouraging cohesion and building solid inter-departmental relationships, leading to a happier, more committed and engaged workforce.

OBJECTIVES

Begin developing deeper, more authentic connections by facilitating opportunities for people to find shared experiences/common ground/similarities with each other

RESOURCES

ARTICLE: 7 Icebreaker Games to Help Your Team Build Authentic Connections

OPENER ACTIVITY

Break everyone into small groups of 3-4 (use breakout rooms if on Zoom), being sure to mix departments if possible/applicable.

Task the groups with finding 10 things that all of them share in common (for example: places they have visited, movies they love, items of clothing they own).

Have each group share 1-3 of their 10 things with the whole group

Bonus/Challenge: Is there anything shared by the entire group?

Categories: Rituals & Routines

Tags: 21st Century Leadership, Effective Leadership, Icebreaker Activity, Icebreakers, Inclusive Leadership, Inclusive Practices, Opener Activity, School Leaders, Universal Practices

Inflexion

Resources We Love (And Hope You Will Too!)

During our May Counterpart meetings, we asked folks to share what they have been engaging with recently. Below is a list of all the resources shared by our incredible community, offering a taste of the diverse and inspiring content they’re currently exploring. This list has something for everyone: from thought-provoking articles to captivating podcasts to must-watch documentaries. So, take a peek, pick your poison, and get ready to dive into something fantastic!

Michelle Liebhardt June 5, 2024

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Passion. Pride. Promise. Two Leaders Help Pave the Way for Their Students & Communities

Tucked away in the hills of rural western Oregon, the Vernonia and Gaston school districts defy many of the stereotypes most of us hold when we think of rural schools. Their communities face both common and unique challenges. Vernonia Elementary Principal, Michelle Eagleson, and Gaston Superintendent, Summer Catino, share how their small schools and communities achieve greatness.

Vanessa Brazil October 25, 2022

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Authentic Connection: True or False Opener Activity

While this activity functions as an icebreaker, it also serves the purpose of deeper team-building, even for more well-established teams. Not only does this help the group get to know each other better and swiftly reduce stress levels, but it also sparks immediate interaction – as the group comes together to root out the red herrings.

This activity is also known as two truths and a lie, and is one that students also enjoy (whether for getting to know each other or their teacher).

Inflexion June 22, 2023

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Authentic Connection: One-Word Opener Activity

While this activity functions as an icebreaker, it’s best for deeper team-building for established teams. This activity can reveal some surprising answers, with enlightening discussion to follow, which can easily segue into the meeting proper. Plus, starting out with small groups allows everyone the chance to participate in a meaningful way, which can boost their confidence about speaking up in the full session.

Inflexion June 22, 2023

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Authentic Connection: Three Things Opener Activity

This icebreaker is great for introductions and is all about triggering fast, unfiltered thinking before a brainstorming session. It’s not about right or wrong answers, it’s about celebrating the weirdest, funniest contributions and letting your brains relax into a comfortable, accepting, and creative gear.

Inflexion June 22, 2023

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Authentic Connection: Team Timeline Opener Activity

While this activity functions as an icebreaker, it’s best for deeper team-building for established teams. This exercise helps show, in a visual way, the different experiences, priorities, and generations within your team. It leads well into talking about shared experiences, breaks down barriers and creates a mindset of authentic communication.

Inflexion June 22, 2023

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Case Study: Merced Union High School District

Through its work with Inflexion, MUHSD is seeing strong results in student outcomes and in closing the opportunity gap for underserved students. California School Dashboard data show College/Career Indicator scores for African American, Hispanic, English Learners, students with disabilities, students who are homeless, and students who are socioeconomically disadvantaged are 16 to 29 points higher than the state average.

Inflexion June 9, 2020

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Authentic Connection: Guess Who Opener Activity

While this activity functions as an icebreaker, it’s best for deeper team-building for established teams. This is a classic team-building exercise for groups of three to 10 people who have met or interacted before. It’s a fun way for teams to get closer and bond more.

Inflexion June 22, 2023

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Build Unity Through Change: Engage Staff in Continuous Improvement Processes

Continuous improvement should be embedded in day-to-day work, in a systemized, organic way. You can think of the cyclical process as a formative assessment of the ideas being tested.

Inflexion June 7, 2023

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Authentic Connection: Joy Toss Opener Activity

This versatile icebreaker/opener activity—from LMB Consulting—is fantastic for students, staff, leadership teams, peer groups, etc. It certainly functions as any “typical” icebreaker, but with the focus on joy and strengthening skills of listening and focus, the opportunity for more authentic positive connections is possible.

Inflexion June 21, 2023

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INTRO

OBJECTIVES

RESOURCES

OPENER ACTIVITY

Related Articles

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