[Ailist] Ice Breaker

[Jon Dunning]

As a Pom/Limey/Brit/Cockney who has used icebreakers in the UK,  
Europe, the US and New Zealand, I can vouch for the fact that the  
Brits are perhaps less comfortable with blowing their own trumpet in  
this way.

In recent workshops in Auckland, New Zealand, where I now live, I  
have asked folks to come with an item or piece of clothing that  
represents a passion they hold or have.  For example, at my last  
three sessions, the items/passions have included:

A pocket sized picture of Jesus - rediscovering a faith
A whisk - a passion for cooking esp. cakes
Books - a favourite with themes inc.  learning, exploration, escape,  
cheer and many more.
Rugby shirt - the passion was actually for the player who wore that  
number!
Roll of wallpaper - loved interior design
Pictures of loved ones - another favourite but every story different
A 'Hawaiian' shirt depicting London scenes - London (me!)

This has proven to be a popular way to start to the day with people  
sharing great stories[1] about their passions.  This is especially  
true with cross-training or mixed groups from different teams/ 
divisions; folks are able to get a sense of others through their  
sharing.  Pleasingly, since the workshops, I have heard desk-side  
conversations between folks about these passions and watched new  
friendships blossom as a result.

Jon

[1] There's an interesting piece on the place of storytelling in  
business in December's Harvard Business Review.

On 21/12/2007, at 10:31 PM, Richard Seel wrote:

> Dear Mark,
>
>> I like the "good thing in your life" question. Another possibility  
>> would be
>> simply to talk about something they're proudest of.
>
> There may be a cultural issue here. British people usually find it  
> difficult to talk about their own achievements. Your suggestion may  
> work well in the US but I suspect that it would evoke embarrassment  
> here!
>
> It is true that in the 'one good thing' exercise people  
> occasionally talk of achievements ("I've just passed this exam...")  
> but the majority of things are about circumstances ("We're going on  
> holiday on Saturday...") or about other people ("I've just become a  
> grandmother...")
>
>
> Best wishes,
>
>
>
> Richard.
>
> -- 
> Richard Seel
> New Paradigm Consulting
> http://www.new-paradigm.co.uk
>
> Seabrink, Beach Road
> Bacton Norfolk NR12 0EP UK
> +44 (0)1692 650 706
> _______________________________________________
> The Appreciative Inquiry Discussion List is hosted by the David  
> Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah. Jack Brittain  
> is the list administrator. For subscription information, go to:
> http://mailman.business.utah.edu:8080/mailman/listinfo/ailist

Jon Dunning
jon.dunning at gmail.com
www.jondunning.com