With all the team-building games out there–in books, on blogs, facilitated by consultants, and shared in social media–how is one to know what experience is right for their group? The truth is that too many variables exist for there to be any “right answers.” But, hopefully, we can help you ask the right questions so you’re better able to hone in on a handful of good candidates that will meet your needs. GOALS The first question to ask yourself is “What is my goal?”  Any game or activity you undertake should have a clear purpose, which should be communicated to participants. Your ..read more

Trainers always talk about “connections before content.” Icebreaker questions are critical starts to your training because they help learners connect with one another and with the topic they will be exploring. Looking for the perfect prompt for your next session. Let this be your guide! For each category of prompts, we’ll share 5 to 10 examples. If you want more variety, you can purchase a Thumball, UNZIP-it! Pocket or UNZIP-it! PowerPoint Deck. If you want ALL THE PROMPTS for ALL THE TOPICS, explore the Trainers EXCHANGE website. Get Acquainted Icebreaker Questions Some getting-acquainted con ..read more

If you remember going to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus when you were a kid, you might recall arriving early to see clowns walking around the arena, greeting guests, and carrying their funny “walk-around” props (instant sight gags — visual images that make you chuckle). The clowns were onto something with their welcoming “come-in” ritual, and so are trainers when they greet you upon arrival and treat you to an “icebreaker.” I know. Many are skeptical of training icebreakers, but for trainers and participants alike, the first few minutes matter a lot. No matter what you call ..read more

Experiential learning isn’t just for fun. Diving into Elizabeth Kensinger and Andrew Budson’s book, The Science of Memory: Why We Forget and How to Remember Better, took me on an odyssey of understanding the brain and how trainers can harness its power to deliver more memorable training. It will likely come as no surprise that experiential learning is successful because it draws on the natural ways that our minds process information. Following are my highlights from their book, as well as a handy Brain Bites Infographic that will hopefully help you remember the key points and make use of brai ..read more

Training and coaching are siblings in the performance improvement and skill-development world — related but quite unique when compared to each other. By understanding them more thoroughly, we can harness resources to maximize the impact of each. How Training and Coaching Differ Training typically involves imparting knowledge and specific skills through structured programs. It follows a predefined curriculum, often focusing on standardized content and techniques. It is instructor-driven, aiming for mastery through repetition and practice. Coaching, on the other hand, is a more personalized and ..read more

We had the pleasure of Jamie Thompson’s insight during a Trainers Warehouse Show & Share conversation. Jamie is the principal of MTa Learning, a game development company based in the UK. As a seasoned developer of experiential learning leadership activities, Thompson shared a handful of memorable tips. Because of groups’ interest in emotional intelligence, we also discussed a bunch of ways we can improve EQ training for our leaders. Consider the Learning Journey In response to many leaders’ requests for leadership training, trainers are often asked to conduct complex experiences for their ..read more

Our informal discussion about diversity training shed light on the resistance trainers face when conducting DEI training. We also pooled ideas for diversity training tips and activities that help lessen resistance, build understanding about the topic, and strengthen individual’s sensitivity to both common and unique experiences. I wanted to share some of these ideas in more detail: GET OFF YOU TO A GOOD START Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change This theory was developed in the late 1970s to understand the process of change for smokers deciding to quit. The model consists of 5 phases: Pr ..read more

Use your Halloween candy for training adults or teaching kids. Try these Halloween-inspired facilitation tricks and treats and make the most of the Halloween season in your training sessions: Icebreakers Favorites?  Ask your group what their favorite Halloween candy is.  Let them know that even though yours is “Candy Corn” you’ll try hard not to make any more “corny” jokes. Memory Test: Ask your teams how many different types of Halloween candy they can remember. For the team that thinks up the most unique entries (that no other teams got), toss them a piece of candy. Chocolatey Tr ..read more

Here’s the problem with trust-building games, you don’t build trust by playing a game. You can play any number of blindfold games, trust falls, or team-building games, and you’ll likely end up just where you started. Why? That’s just not how people build trusting relationships. Sorry. Not sorry. Trust is developed in an iterative loop through communication, relationship building, and sharing vulnerability. While this might happen in a very well-structured game, I wouldn’t count on it. Instead, focus on how to have conversations that will build relationships and foster trust. How to Get Started ..read more

Remember how you used to play games as a kid? You’d spin the dial … maybe spin it again if you didn’t get a good flick, then wait with excitement to see where it lands. If no one was looking, maybe you’d give the spinner another whirl – at least you thought no one was looking. Well, the spinning experience never gets old! Furthermore, you don’t have to go to a casino to find one of those super fun devices. Grown-ups can enjoy the same excitement they remember from times gone by when playing learning games at work, in meetings, and more. Try a handful of these activities to put your spinning pr ..read more