How can you use icebreakers to build rapport and set the tone for a successful problem-solving session?

In my experience introducing icebreakers in the coaching relationship acts as a gateway to fostering trust, rapport and mutual understanding between me and client. These exercises, whether light-hearted or focused, serve to break down initial barriers and create a welcoming space for authentic dialogue. Icebreakers might involve sharing personal anecdotes, discussing individual aspirations or exploring values and beliefs. By initiating these activities, I lay the foundation for a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can express themselves openly. The beauty of icebreakers lies in their ability to promote a sense of connection and shared experience, enhancing communication and encouraging a deeper level of understanding.

Ice breakers should be placed wisely in the agenda. For example I always used to do these mind engaging small mind excersises for people after lunch or after 1.5h sessions of work. Letting the mind to do something completely different whilst still engaged with the group helps to break away the fatigue that may build up during any kind of workshop

For creative problem solving and team building I have always loved The Marshmallow challenge where the teams need to build the highest posssible construction out of spagetti to hold up a simple marshmellow. This challenge will showcase role distribution, problem approach and much more!

My boss recently used a great one, building the tallest lego tower. You split everyone up into even-sized teams, try to mix departments, and have an individual judge the winner based on the height of the tower. Give everyone identical starting sets, and challenge them to build the tallest lego tower in a set time-frame. You can ask questions about how you decided to tackle the problem, how your team communicated, who took leadership roles, etc. It's also just fun, and less intimidating than some ice-breakers.

We cannot deny that most icebreaker activities feel tedious and juvenile to professionals. Even as we recognize their usefulness, there is often an undertone of resentment at having to participate in silly games. However, this does not negate the value of icebreakers when facilitated skillfully. As an educator, I've found that group problem-solving activities can reveal team dynamics. Asking students to line up alphabetically by last name in 30 seconds, for example, shows me who emerges as leaders and who lingers on the fringes. The key is using these activities not as empty fun but as opportunities to discern roles, relationships and readiness to collaborate.

For certain workshops also the technique - discuss with your closest neighbour and share your thoughts, can be a powerful way to build new relationships whilst through discussion and reflection gaining new perspectives.

"A quote is a spark that can ignite a fire of inspiration." - Unknown Using famous quotes that are on point with the task at hand can be a good way to break the ice without the audience feeling like you are trying to break the proverbial ice.