6 leadership virtual icebreakers to engage and inspire your team at the start of a meeting
Run an icebreaker that everyone will love
Running an icebreaker doesn't have to be hard, it can be as easy as asking everyone where they are joining from or where they were born.
When you use StreamAlive, these responses can be plotted on a map in real-time. All your audience has to do is type their answer in the chat and StreamAlive does the rest.
No more boring or cringeworthy icebreakers. Keep it simple. Just ask everyone where they are from.
See how it works in our interactive demo or learn more.
Other icebreakers you can try
1. Two Truths and a Dream
Unlike the traditional "Two Truths and a Lie," this version asks participants to share two truths about their professional lives and one dream they have for their career or team. This creates a positive atmosphere, as team members discuss aspirations and achievements.
Example Usage:
Each team member takes a turn to state two truths about their career milestones or current projects and one dream they have for their role, career, or the organization’s future. Colleagues then guess which statement is the dream, fostering conversations about ambitions and personal goals.
Possible Pitfalls:
Make sure the session remains inclusive by encouraging realistic dreams but also be mindful of not dismissing any dream, no matter how big. Avoiding any form of negativity or skepticism is crucial to maintain a positive tone.
2. Virtual Office Show-and-Tell
Inspired by the classic classroom activity, this version gets team members to share a personal or meaningful item from their workspace. It’s an excellent tool for humanizing and adding personal touches to the remote working environment.
Example Usage:
Participants select an item from their desk or workspace and explain its significance or story during their turn. This could range from a motivational poster to a family photo, or even a pet making an occasional appearance.
Possible Pitfalls:
Ensure that all participants feel comfortable and that there is no pressure to share more than they are willing to. Respect for personal boundaries is paramount.
3. Future Headlines
This activity encourages participants to envision and share a headline about the team or company’s success in the future. It’s a forward-thinking exercise that promotes goal setting and visualization of collective success.
Example Usage:
Team members take turns crafting a news headline they hope to see about their team or company in the next year or several years down the line. Encourage creativity and positivity, focusing on achievements and milestones.
Possible Pitfalls:
Avoid overly ambitious or unrealistic headlines that could set the tone for disappointment. Balance ambition with attainability to keep the team motivated and optimistic without being overwhelmed.
4. Virtual Time Capsule
This creative exercise has team members share one thing they’d like to achieve or look forward to realizing together and then 'seal' it in a virtual time capsule to be revisited in the future.
Example Big Advantage:
Team members contribute ideas or goals they wish to see accomplished, which are then compiled into a digital document or email thread that is ceremonially "opened" at a later date to check in on progress or reflect on achievements.
Possible Pitfalls:
Ensure the goals are tracked and revisited to give closure and recognition for achievements. It’s important not to forget about this activity, as it could lead to disappointment or feelings of neglect.
5. The Skill Swap
An engaging way for team members to offer a mini-workshop or presentation on a skill they’re proficient in, unrelated to their work duties. This not only adds variety but also encourages a culture of learning and sharing.
Example Usage:
Each participant prepares a short presentation on a unique skill, hobby, or knowledge area they can share, ranging from a coding language to gardening tips. Sessions can be spread out over multiple meetings to give everyone a chance to present.
Possible Pitfalls:
Coordinate schedules and topics in advance to avoid overlaps and ensure diversity in presentations. Keep the sessions short and engaging to hold everyone’s interest and respect the meeting’s overall time constraints.
6. Unplanned Topic
This spontaneous icebreaker involves choosing a non-work-related topic for a quick roundtable discussion. It’s a fun way to kick off meetings on a light-hearted note, encouraging creativity and off-the-cuff thinking.
Example Razor:
The facilitator selects a random topic, or spins a digital wheel to choose one, prompting quick, two-minute discussions from each participant. Topics can range from “Your go-to comfort movie” to “One place you want to travel in the next year.”
Possible Pitfalls:
Keep topics neutral and avoid anything that could lead to controversial or uncomfortable conversations. The goal is to warm up the meeting, not alienate participants.
Make your icebreakers visual
If you want to go with a "tell me about yourself" type of icebreaker then how about making it visual?
StreamAlive helps you to visualize your chat stream into word clouds, call-out bubbles, or even a Tetris-inspiring wall of cascading tiles.
By incorporating these leadership virtual icebreakers into your remote meetings, you can create a more inclusive and dynamic team environment. These activities not only enhance communication and collaboration but also foster a sense of camaraderie among team members, even when miles apart. So, the next time you host a virtual meeting, consider starting off with one of these engaging icebreakers to spark creativity and participation within your team.