Cartoon Qualities

By: Duke Rohe  drohe@att.net

Overview: Icebreakers need a right-brain left-brain exchange to be sure both side are talking to each other.  Here is an icebreaker that helps team members to get to know what each bring to the table.

Purpose:

1. See what each bring to the team
2. Remember your childhood and add fun into a team meeting
3. Raise awareness of all the qualities needed for a healthy team
4. Kick start the meeting with right-brain creactivity

Participants: Team members can do this individually or they could pair up and pick a Cartoon character collectively.

Materials: One sheet of flip chart paper per team member or 8 ½ x 14 sheet for a small team), at least one color marker for each team member.

Time: 15 minutes

Procedure:

1. Introduce the exercise with something like ‘The success of this team will be decided by how well each of us know and rely on each other’s strengths. This fun exercise will help us to see our collective power.  It may cause some of us to move out of their comfort zone for the sake of the team.  It’s a 7-minute exercise so listen well…
2. Plan
   • Tell them to think of at least four qualities that they bring to the team.
   • Now reflect back to their childhood and think of a Cartoon character that best represents these qualities.  This might require a creative force-fit.
3. Draw
   • On flip chart paper flip chart (small team can use 8 ½ x 11 sheet) and make a poster of their Cartoon character along with their team member qualities.
   • Draw the Cartoon character, title it (in case other members don’t recognize your Rembrandt) with a list of the team member qualities.
4. Call out remaining time at the 5, 3, and 1-minute marks.
5. Showtime!  Go around the table sharing your artwork and qualities, complimenting them on their fine drawing.

If the team members know each other, encourage them to add to the list they of qualities they see in the individual or the Cartoon character.

Debrief:

1. Debrief by complimenting all their Looney Tunes.  Bring it together by saying it is  knowing each other and relying on each other that will cause this team to be great.  It takes all the given qualities to help us achieve the team’s goal.