What is What I Would Have Done?
Hey there! Have you ever heard of the "What I Would Have Done" icebreaker activity? If not, let me fill you in on this fun and engaging game that can really get a conversation flowing.
The rules of the game are quite simple: each person takes a turn sharing a hypothetical scenario of something they would have done differently in their past. For example, "If I could go back in time, I would have changed my major in college." Then, the rest of the group tries to guess why the person would have made that change. It's a great way to get to know each other on a deeper level and learn about each other's past experiences.
The ultimate goal of the activity is to build empathy and understanding among the group members. By sharing personal experiences and allowing others to guess why someone might have made a certain decision, it can create a sense of closeness and connection among the group.
Now, it's important to note that this game should be played in a safe and respectful environment. The game can bring up sensitive topics or memories, so it's important to establish ground rules and ensure that everyone is comfortable before starting.
To make the game even more fun, try to come up with creative scenarios that will keep everyone engaged. And remember, the goal is to have fun while getting to know each other better. So what are you waiting for? Give "What I Would Have Done" a try at your next gathering!
Materials needed for What I Would Have Done
What I Would Have Done requires no materials or tools to play. Just bring yourself and a few others and you'll have a great time!
How to play What I Would Have Done
- Gather the group: Gather a group of people who are willing to participate in the icebreaker activity.
- Explain the game: Explain the rules of the icebreaker activity to the group. Let them know that this activity is called 'What I Would Have Done'.
- Set up a circle: Ask the participants to form a circle so that everyone can see and hear each other.
- Start the activity: Choose a volunteer to start the game. This person will say a statement starting with 'What I would have done'. For example, 'What I would have done if I won the lottery is...'
- Pass it on: After the first person shares their statement, the next person in the circle will continue by saying 'What I would have done' and completing the sentence with their own hypothetical scenario.
- Continue the pattern: Keep going around the circle, with each person sharing their own 'What I would have done' scenarios. Encourage participants to be creative and imaginative with their answers.
- Enjoy and reflect: As the game progresses, let the participants enjoy the activity and reflect on the various scenarios shared. It's a great opportunity for conversation and getting to know each other better.
- Wrap up the game: When everyone has had a chance to share, thank the participants for their participation and wrap up the icebreaker activity.
Benefits of What I Would Have Done
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 What I Would Have Done include:
- Facilitates self-reflection: By imagining what they would have done in a particular situation, players are encouraged to reflect on their own values and decision-making processes.
- Promotes empathy: Through the sharing of experiences and perspectives, players can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for each other, fostering empathy and connection.
- Encourages creativity: Players are prompted to think outside of the box and come up with solutions that may not have been considered before.
- Boosts communication skills: As players share their ideas and reasoning with the group, they develop their ability to articulate their thoughts clearly and effectively.
- Creates a fun and engaging atmosphere: This icebreaker is a great way to break the ice and lighten the mood while still encouraging meaningful conversation and introspection.
Why we like What I Would Have Done
We love this game because it sparks interesting discussions and lets us explore different perspectives and possibilities.
Reflection questions for What I Would Have Done
Reflection questions are a great way to help your team process their experience after playing What I Would Have Done.
- What moment did you choose to describe? This question is a straightforward reflection on the specific moment each participant chose to describe during the icebreaker activity.
- How did you feel when you were describing the moment? This question explores the emotions and reactions each participant experienced when sharing their chosen moment.
- What did you learn about the other participants from their moments? This question looks at how the chosen moments provided insight into the personalities and experiences of the other participants.
- Did you learn anything new about yourself from the icebreaker activity? This question encourages self-reflection and consideration of how the activity impacted each individual personally.
- What insights or thoughts did the icebreaker activity stimulate for you? This question invites participants to share any broader reflections or connections they made during the activity.
Which skills does What I Would Have Done build?
- Critical thinking - Critical thinking skills are valuable for icebreakers and team building because they enable individuals to analyze information, make reasoned judgments, and effectively solve problems, fostering open communication and collaboration in group settings. Moreover, these skills help individuals to think critically and creatively, which leads to innovative ideas, enhanced decision-making, and ultimately, the overall success of team activities.
- Empathy - Empathy skills are incredibly valuable for icebreakers and team building because they help create a safe and inclusive environment where everyone feels heard and understood, fostering stronger connections and collaboration among team members.
- 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.
- Listening - Listening skills in icebreakers and team building promote effective communication, understanding, and empathy among participants, fostering a positive and cohesive team dynamic.