Without a doubt, the success of any meeting depends on the level of engagement and motivation shown by its participants. Whether you are organizing a brainstorming session with a small team or orchestrating a workshop with a larger group, setting the right stage from the start has a significant impact on the quality of engagement and eventual outcomes. This especially holds true if your meetings are aimed at producing fresh perspectives and creative solutions.
This is precisely where carefully selected warm-up games and energizers come into play! These simple exercises serve as more than just energy boosters; they are essential tools laying the groundwork for creativity and collaboration. By kicking off with a warm-up exercise that stimulates creative thinking, you can help participants transition already into the right mindset by encouraging out-of-the-box thinking and getting them out of their daily work routine.
So, whether your meeting is held virtually or in person, do not underestimate the power of a well-planned warm-up activity. It could be the key to unlocking your team’s full potential and making your workshop or meeting a success.
Find below a selection of some of our favorite workshop games and energizers. For the full list download our Top Workshop Games – 2024 Edition HERE.
#1 One Thing, Nine Ways
People have to think of unconventional uses of an everyday object. Use this exercise to spark creativity and look at things from different perspectives!
- Grab an object from your desk or home. It could be a pencil, a cup, paper, anything!
- Ask everyone to grab a piece of paper, and divide it into nine squares by folding it into thirds — first horizontally, then vertically.
- Ask everyone to draw nine new, unconventional uses for the object.
- Give participants a short time limit (5-10 minutes) to complete it.
- Ask everyone to share their ideas. Did anyone come up with a really crazy or innovative idea?
The participants will practice their improvisation skills and foster creative thinking. Lots of laughter is guaranteed!
#2 Nine Dot Puzzle
The participants have to think about how to connect the 9 dots without lifting their pencil from the paper.
- Ask everyone to come to the session with a writing utensil and paper.
- Ask participants to draw 9 dots in a 3×3 grid on a sheet of paper.
- Set a timer for 2 minutes, and ask everyone to connect all nine dots, without lifting their pencil from the paper, using 4 or less straight lines.
- Did anyone connect all the dots with 4 or less lines? Ask everyone to show their solutions.
- Share a couple examples of how to solve the puzzle.
We like to use this exercise to get people in the critical thinking mindset and to encourage people to think outside the box.
#3 Powerpoint Karaoke
Participants have to pitch a funny object or picture that they have never seen before.
- Prepare a slide deck before the workshop, where every slide shows a funny or weird picture or object. Make sure that the participants do not see the slides beforehand.
- Share the slides on-screen and choose a person to start or ask for volunteers.
- The goal is to pitch/sell whatever comes up on the next slide to the group. The participants have 30 seconds to prepare for the presentation and should pitch for about one minute.
- After the first pitch, switch to the next slide and nominate the next person or find a volunteer to pitch. This goes on until all slides have been presented.
- Give a big round of applause to all presenters. Optionally, the group can also vote for the best pitch and choose a winner. Tip: If done in person, small prizes, like for example chocolate are also always a good choice and incentive. 😉
Lots of laughter and breaking the ice will be guaranteed. Also, the participants will work on their presentation skills, practice improvisation and creative thinking.
For games 4 and 5 download our free pdf: Top Workshop Games – 2024 Edition HERE.
Do you like the workshop games and want to know more about the Pioneers corporate innovation services?
Book a short intro call with our workshop master @Michael Lunzer who will introduce you to the Pioneers offerings.
Just send a quick mail to michael.lunzer@pioneers.io
Michael Lunzer
Manager and Head of Venture Design
