When planning icebreakers for small groups, it’s important to consider their purpose and the group dynamics. Whether you’re working with an established team or a newly forming one, icebreakers should be intentional, engaging, and directly connected to why you’re gathering.
Instead of viewing them as typical “icebreakers,” let’s reframe them as moments of connection before content. This shift emphasizes meaningful conversations over superficial games. Below, I’ll share three impactful icebreakers, including a unique exercise with two variations depending on your team’s familiarity with each other. These exercises are designed to foster genuine connections and transform how your group works together.
1. 60 Removal Team Exercise
This activity uses We! Connect Cards, a deck of 60 curated questions designed to spark curiosity and connection.
Variation 1: For Established Teams
This version is perfect for groups that have worked together for years and feel like they know one another well. Here’s how it works:
- Lay all 60 cards from the We! Connect Cards deck on a table.
- Ask the group to remove every question they feel they could confidently answer for someone else in the group.
- Invite the group to observe the results and reflect what it might mean!
When I led this exercise with a team of six HR leaders—some of whom had worked together for decades—they removed only three cards. This sparked an important realization: even after years of collaboration, there was still so much to discover about one another.
To continue the activity, invite participants to select 2-3 questions from the remaining cards that they’re genuinely curious about. Allow them to ask these questions to the group, creating space for meaningful conversations driven by curiosity rather than obligation.
Variation 2: For Newly Forming Teams
For new groups, skip the removal step. Instead, simply spread the cards out and ask each person to pick 2-3 questions they’d like to ask others. This ensures the conversation feels authentic and relevant since the participants are choosing the topics themselves.
2. Change Talk vs. Sustain Talk Small Group Icebreaker
For a deeper icebreaker that encourages reflection, introduce the concepts of “change talk” and “sustain talk.”
How It Works:
- Briefly explain the terms:
- Sustain Talk: Conversations that reinforce the status quo or current behaviors.
- Change Talk: Discussions that explore possibilities, new ideas, or shifts in perspective.
- Ask the group:
- “In this group, what does sustain talk sound like? What about change talk?”
- Facilitate a short discussion around these concepts, encouraging participants to share examples.
This reflective exercise challenges the group to think about their communication patterns and creates space for more forward-thinking and meaningful conversations.
3. From Problems to Possibilities Icebreaker
This icebreaker, inspired by Peter Block, focuses on shifting conversations from problem-centric to possibility-driven.
How It Works:
- Ask each person in the group to share a problem they deeply care about solving.
- After everyone has shared, go around again and ask:
- “What is a possibility you see emerging from that problem?”
This two-part exercise encourages participants to shift their mindset from challenges to opportunities. It’s a powerful way to spark creativity and optimism while also learning about what drives your team members.
For example, if someone shares concerns about social media overconsumption, they might follow up with a possibility like increasing awareness about the issue through educational campaigns or implementing digital detox practices.
Bonus Icebreaker for Small Groups: Create a “To Be” List
Inspired by the late Will Wise, this simple yet transformative exercise helps set the tone for a meaningful meeting.
How It Works:
- Before diving into the agenda, ask everyone: “How would you like to be during this meeting?”
- Encourage responses like “curious,” “focused,” or “playful.”
This small shift from focusing on a “to-do” list to a “to-be” list often leads to more engaged, intentional interactions throughout the meeting.
Why These Icebreakers Work
Unlike traditional icebreakers, these exercises:
- Offer opportunities for real connection.
- Give participants agency over the conversation.
- Are intentional and aligned with the purpose of the gathering.
Want more ideas? Download our free printable cards, book excerpts, and tools to level up your team-building efforts at weand.me/tools.