Show and Share
This method builds on Grab X, the previous exercise. If you’re in person, it is very easy to do using We! Engage Cards as well. It is a fail-proof way to make meaningful connections because it creates “shielded discussion” as Jennifer Stanchfield calls it. In other words, sharing something personal as it relates to an object in front of you creates this little “vulnerability shield” that increases psychological safety and permits people to share things they might otherwise hold back or not even think of.
Frame It
“Show & Tell is a classroom favorite. But we’ve graduated beyond that. Connection is about sharing and exchanging—not just telling. This exercise will give us a chance to creatively share a piece of who we are to strengthen genuine connections in a fun and comfortable way.”
Objective
Grab an object or image that represents ________, and bring it back to share with the group. Then we’ll jump into breakouts to share the story or meaning behind the object or image.
Facilitator Note: you can fill in that blank with anything you feel will help connect people to the purpose of meeting while sharing something about who they are as well. Some sample prompts are below, although the best one will come from your own brain.
Grab an image or object that represents:
- A future you would like to create
- What trust means to you
- An intention you have for our time together
- One of the ways you love to spend your time
- A unique part of who you are
- Something you care deeply about
- A great story from your life
Guidelines
✓ Give 30 to 60 seconds for people to leave their seats and retrieve an image or object
✓ Ask them to bring it back, but keep it hidden from others (which simply builds a bit of anticipation).
✓ Give people at least a few minutes to share their items in small groups.
✓ Before sending people into small groups to discuss, ask people to simply follow their natural curiosity based on what people share after everybody has a chance to talk.
Leadership Tips
✓ The last guideline above gives groups a great intention if they finish early to fill the space with purpose rather than awkward pauses.
✓ Be very, very specific with your prompts. To ensure meaning and depth, you may even want to give examples of what you do not want them to grab. For example, Chad will often say, “Grab an object that represents a part of who you are. Not just something you like to do. But an object that represents a part of who you are.” Notice how he repeats he emphasizes what he would love to see the group come back with.
✓ After returning from breakouts, debrief this! The best way to turn cliques into community is by unpacking and reflecting on small group experiences in the large group. Ask for people to share things they really enjoyed hearing from their group. This is a really great way to implicitly reward a group for listening to each other rather than being focused on what they shared.
✓ An advanced technique if you sense the group really enjoyed their conversations is to send them back into the same breakouts to affirm a group member for something they really enjoyed hearing. If it is well framed, sharing these gifts can solidify a meaningful connection.