Icebreakers are activities or games that are designed to help participants get to know each other and build rapport in a fun and engaging way. They’re often used at the beginning of a meeting or training session to break the ice and get people comfortable with one another.

But let’s be honest – icebreakers can sometimes be awkward or cringe-worthy. Nobody wants to be stuck doing a boring activity or answering silly questions that don’t really help them get to know their colleagues any better.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide on innovative icebreakers that are not only fun, but also effective in building better teams. 🤝

The Marshmallow Challenge 🍡

The Marshmallow Challenge is a classic icebreaker that’s been used by companies like Google and NASA. The premise is simple: teams are given 18 minutes to build the tallest tower they can using only spaghetti, tape, string, and a marshmallow, which must be placed at the top of the tower.

This activity is great for promoting teamwork and collaboration. It requires communication, problem-solving, and strategic thinking, and helps team members see the value of each other’s contributions.

A team building a tower with spaghetti and a marshmallow.

Two Truths and a Lie 🤥

Two Truths and a Lie is a popular icebreaker that’s easy to set up and can be done in a group or one-on-one. Each person takes turns stating three things about themselves – two that are true, and one that is a lie. The other participants then have to guess which one is the lie.

This icebreaker is an effective way to get to know your colleagues and find commonalities. It also encourages creativity and critical thinking.

A group of people laughing while playing Two Truths and a Lie.

The Great Egg Drop 🥚

The Great Egg Drop is a fun and challenging team-building activity that requires creativity and problem-solving skills. Teams are given a set of materials – including straws, duct tape, and newspaper – and are tasked with creating a contraption that will protect a raw egg from breaking when dropped from a certain height.

This activity is great for encouraging innovation and experimentation. It also promotes collaboration and communication, as team members must work together to come up with a successful design.

A team building a contraption to protect a raw egg.

Scavenger Hunt 🗺️

Scavenger hunts are a fun and interactive way to get people moving and working together. They can be done indoors or outdoors, and can be customized to fit your team’s interests or goals.

To set up a scavenger hunt, create a list of clues or tasks that lead participants to different locations or objects. You can also incorporate puzzles or riddles to add an extra challenge.

This icebreaker is great for promoting teamwork and problem-solving skills. It also encourages creativity and can be a great way to explore a new environment or learn more about your city.

A team participating in a scavenger hunt.

Conclusion 🎉

Icebreakers don’t have to be boring or awkward. With a little bit of creativity, you can design activities that are not only fun, but also effective in building better teams. By incorporating innovative icebreakers into your meetings or training sessions, you can help your team members get to know each other better, collaborate more effectively, and ultimately build a stronger team. So get out there and have some fun! 😎

A group of people laughing and high-fiving each other.