Trade Your Way to the Ultimate Prize in Bigger and Better!

What is Bigger and Better?

Looking for a fun and engaging icebreaker activity that will get everyone mingling and laughing? Look no further than Bigger and Better!

The premise of the game is simple: each team starts with a small object, such as a pen or paper clip, and must trade it with strangers in the room for something bigger and better. They continue trading up until a designated time limit, when the team with the biggest and best item wins.

The goals of the game are twofold: to encourage networking and conversation among participants, and to challenge players to think creatively and strategically in order to acquire the best items.

Bigger and Better is a great icebreaker activity for larger groups, such as at conferences or networking events, and can be played in a variety of settings. However, it's important to note that it may not be appropriate for groups that are more introverted or reserved.

When playing Bigger and Better, it's important to set clear rules and guidelines, such as a time limit for trading or limits on how many trades can be made with a single person. Additionally, adding a fun twist, such as having to incorporate a specific theme or phrase into each trade, can make the game even more enjoyable.

So why not try out Bigger and Better at your next social gathering and see what kind of treasures you and your teammates can acquire? It's sure to be a memorable and entertaining bonding experience.

Materials needed for Bigger and Better

• 1 Tradeable item (Per team. The item should be small and of low value)

How to play Bigger and Better

• Gather a group of people: Start by gathering a group of friends or colleagues. The more, the merrier!
• Give each person a small item: Have each person bring a small item from home that they no longer need or want. It could be anything, as long as it's small and not valuable.
• Split into teams: Split the group into smaller teams, with around 4-5 people in each team. Make sure everyone is in a team and ready to play!
• Set a starting point and time limit: Decide on a starting point where each team will begin the game. Also, set a time limit, such as 30 minutes or an hour, for the activity.
• Give each team an item: Give each team one of the small items that participants brought. Each team will start with a different item.
• Teams trade up for something bigger or better: Each team needs to go around and interact with people to trade their item for something bigger or better. They can approach strangers or businesses, explaining the game and proposing the trade.
• Continue trading and upgrading: Teams continue trading their items, aiming to get something even bigger or better. The goal is to see who can end up with the most valuable item by the end of the time limit.
• Gather back and share the treasures: Once the time limit is up, gather everyone back together and share the treasures each team managed to acquire. It's always interesting to see the items that were obtained during the game!
• Reflect and have fun: Take a moment to reflect on the game and discuss favorite trades or funny experiences. Have fun and enjoy the time spent playing Bigger and Better!

Benefits of Bigger and Better

Team building activities are far more than just fun and games. They pack a punch when it comes to the range of benefits they can deliver. Some of the benefits of Bigger and Better include:

• Encourages teamwork: The Bigger and Better activity requires participants to work together in small groups to barter and negotiate with others for larger and better items. This promotes communication and teamwork among members.
• Develops problem-solving skills: Participants must use their creativity and analytical skills to determine the best trades and deals to obtain the most valuable objects. This helps develop problem-solving skills in a fun and interactive way.
• Promotes strategic thinking: Bigger and Better involves strategizing and planning to obtain bigger and better items, instead of settling for smaller ones. This activity helps foster strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
• Boosts confidence: Successfully negotiating with others and obtaining larger and better items can boost participants' confidence and self-esteem.
• Provides an enjoyable experience: Bigger and Better is a fun and entertaining icebreaker activity that helps participants relax and enjoy the event.

Why we like Bigger and Better

We love this game because it's a fun and engaging way to promote creativity and resourcefulness, and it's always exciting to see what people come up with!

Reflection questions for Bigger and Better

Reflection questions are a great way to help your team process their experience after playing Bigger and Better.

1. What was your strategy for negotiating with other teams? This question prompts reflection on how the participant went about getting the best deal from other teams in the icebreaker game. It allows them to consider whether their approach was successful or not, and what they could improve on in future negotiations.
2. What did you learn about yourself during the activity? By asking this question, the participant is encouraged to reflect on their own behavior and reactions during the game. This could include things like whether they were competitive or cooperative, if they took risks or played it safe, or if they tended to lead or follow.
3. What surprised you about the way the game unfolded? This question invites participants to reflect on unexpected events or outcomes that occurred during the activity. It can help them think about how they responded to these surprises and what they could do differently if they encounter similar situations in the future.
4. How did you handle it when your team hit a roadblock? When teams hit obstacles during the Bigger and Better icebreaker, it can be tempting to give up or become frustrated. This question encourages participants to think about how they managed these challenges and what skills they used to overcome them.
5. What did you learn about communication and collaboration while participating in the activity? This question prompts reflection on how participants worked with others in their team and across teams during the game. It encourages them to consider what communication and collaboration skills they used, as well as areas where they could improve.

Which skills does Bigger and Better build?

• Negotiation - Negotiation skills are beneficial for icebreakers and team building because they help create a collaborative and inclusive environment where everyone's ideas and perspectives can be heard and valued, fostering better communication and teamwork.
• Teamwork - Teamwork skills are crucial for icebreakers and team building because they foster effective communication, encourage collaboration, and promote a sense of unity among team members, leading to better problem-solving and increased productivity.
• Communication - Communication skills are essential for icebreakers and team building because they facilitate effective and open dialogue, allowing team members to connect and understand each other better, which leads to improved collaboration and problem-solving.
• Problem-solving - Problem-solving skills are essential for icebreakers and team building as they help break down barriers, foster creativity, and encourage collaboration, resulting in stronger relationships and more effective problem-solving within the team.