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Folks, What is an icebreaker? The term "icebreaker" comes from "break the ice", which in turn comes from special ships called "icebreakers" that are designed to break up ice in arctic regions. And just as these ships make it easier for other ships to travel, an icebreaker helps to clear the way for learning to occur by making the learners more comfortable and encouraging conversation. Specifically, an icebreaker is an activity designed to help people to get to know each other and usually involves sharing names and other background information. A team building activity is designed to help groups form bonds and become a team. Team building activities differ from icebreakers in that the group members already have learned each other’s names, and perhaps some personal information, and the focus is on making the group become more cohesive. Energizers are quick, fun activities to liven up a group. They are particularly useful after a meal, when groups may be getting sluggish, or late in the day when energy is waning and motivation is decreasing. Often an icebreaker, a team building activity and an energizer overlap. For example, during an activity in which participants are asked to line up in alphabetical order by first name, participants will learn each other’s names (typical of an icebreaker), they’ll work together as a team to form the line (teambuilding), and become invigorated by being able to get up and move around the room (an energizer). As a result, the activities in this resource are grouped together according to how they might be used instead of how they are defined. Please discuss other points. Thanks
Icebreaker would mainly be used if a group of strangers meets for the first time, this could be f.e. sitting in a conference room and the moderator asks everybody to shake the left and right sitting neighbors hand and introduce himself with a big smile. This practice is often used in USA and I love the idea of it.
Team Building acitivities are supposed to be a mixture of challenge and fun. climbing activities, ball games, or games to proof skills. On the other hand only to go out as a company for a dinner can be a team building activity as well.
A friend of mine has a big bell in his office, whenever there is a closing he jingles the bell and everybody needs to dance around the tables... don't laugh, this is a great energizer and so much fun! I bet at some point you wait for the jingles to dance around the table.
