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Give the group the task to line-up in order of height (tallest-shortest) without talking. Repeat the challenge two or three times with progressively more challenging tasks, such as: Line up by hair color or eye color (lightest-darkest), Line up by date of birth (youngest to oldest), Line up by where you were born (farthest-closest)

A highly challenging alternative is to do any of the above with all participants blindfolded. In this case, the group needs to use physical touch and or clapping to solve the task. This alternative takes much more time and should involve a reflection at the end.

Create a 3 x 3 grid for each participant and have them fill in each block with a different personal passion randomly. After the individual work, have everyone walk around the room and compare notes. When they find the same passion listed in both grids, ask them to sign for each other in the appropriate square. The winner is the participant who manages to have other people’s signatures on three lines (vertical, horizontal, or diagonal). You can continue the game to have as many winners as you possibly can. Icebreaker games with a degree of competition can be really effective if you want to set that tone for the rest of a workshop or meeting.

Coat of Arms exercise provides a way for participants to introduce themselves and their colleagues, particularly for groups who think they already know each other very well. Each participant should work individually and spend 10 minutes to complete their personal Coat of Arms by drawing a picture or symbol in each of the five sections, in response to the five questions. Emphasize that no words are allowed. Reassure the participants that artistic ability is not important because the picture is simply to convey information.

Sample questions: What do you do at work? How do you like to spend your spare time? What is something you think you are very good at? What is something you think your colleagues don't know about you? What is one of your personal values?

Participants should identify the person whom they know least well in the group, partner with her, and exchange the drawings. They now take it in turns, 3 minutes each, to interpret what their partner's drawing is trying to say in response to each question. Stress that the originator should not give any clues unless their partner is completely lost. After 3 minutes advise the participants to repeat the procedure with the second coat of arms.

Explain the activity. Each participant now has 2 or 3 minutes to introduce their partner using the information they have gained from interpreting the Coat of Arms.