Cross the Circle
Goal: This game is a fast-paced, low stakes way for everyone to learn each other’s names.
Benefits: Cut tension, build synergy, and get everyone in the group warmed up and ready to collaborate
When to Play: At the start of a workshop or focus group
Time needed: 5-7 minutes
Instructions: Find a space big enough for everyone to stand in a circle. You may need to step into a hallway or re-arrange furniture. Once in a circle, each person will go around and say their name while standing still. Have participants imagine their feet are stuck in quicksand, and they can only move when they say someone's name. The game starts with one person (A) calling someone else’s name (B). Once (A) calls a name, her feet are released from the quicksand and she starts walking towards the person she called (B). But before (A) gets to (B), (B) needs to call a different name. He cannot move until he calls a name. The goal is to think quick so that each person can move before the person walking towards them reaches them.
Benefits: Cut tension, build synergy, and get everyone in the group warmed up and ready to collaborate
When to Play: At the start of a workshop or focus group
Time needed: 5-7 minutes
Instructions: Find a space big enough for everyone to stand in a circle. You may need to step into a hallway or re-arrange furniture. Once in a circle, each person will go around and say their name while standing still. Have participants imagine their feet are stuck in quicksand, and they can only move when they say someone's name. The game starts with one person (A) calling someone else’s name (B). Once (A) calls a name, her feet are released from the quicksand and she starts walking towards the person she called (B). But before (A) gets to (B), (B) needs to call a different name. He cannot move until he calls a name. The goal is to think quick so that each person can move before the person walking towards them reaches them.
