Some folks feel a bit awkward initiating icebreakers in a group when the group has not used icebreakers before. Not to worry, a little advance work will help gain acceptance and have people even look forward to them!
Let people know what you are doing and why…
Start your committee, or meeting, or project letting people know that you will be using icebreakers.
Detoxify your change in behavior
If you change your behavior without explanation, some people may resist, or just plain think you’re nuts. Depending on your situation, you might consider explaining that you are going to start having a brief icebreaker at each meeting, and the reasons.
Assign icebreakers to others.
Sometimes it is effective to challenge each person in the group to come up with an icebreaker, instead of you having to think them up all the time. That way you’ll see a lot of creativity (different than your own,) and you’ll give responsibility to others in the group.
