Unique and Shared

The Unique and Shared icebreaker is an engaging and insightful game that serves the dual purpose of helping people get to know each other and building team unity. Its primary goal is to demonstrate that individuals often have more in common with their peers than they initially think, while also highlighting their unique strengths and traits that they can contribute to the group. This activity is particularly effective for medium to extra-large groups and takes place in an indoor setting.

During the Shared portion of the icebreaker, participants form small groups and identify common traits or qualities among themselves, encouraging empathy and understanding. Following this, the Unique part of the activity involves group members sharing unique strengths and characteristics that set them apart from others, fostering a sense of empowerment and acceptance. By promoting unity and raising awareness of both shared experiences and individuality, Unique and Shared serves as a valuable team-building exercise for any group or organization.

1. Participants must form groups of five people.
2. Each group needs paper and a pen.
3. In the first half of the activity, called “Shared,” a notetaker for each group will create a list of common traits or qualities among group members.
4. Avoid writing down superficial traits such as having hair or wearing clothes.
5. Allow five or six minutes for the “Shared” portion of the activity.
6. Have a spokesperson from each subgroup read their list during the sharing phase.
7. In the second half of the activity, called “Unique,” find at least two unique qualities and strengths per person.
8. Strive for unique qualities and strengths beyond the superficial.
9. Allow five or six minutes for the “Unique” portion of the activity.
10. Share unique qualities in one of three ways: (1) each person shares one of their unique qualities, (2) have each person read the qualities of the person to their right, or (3) have a spokesperson read a quality one at a time and have others guess who it was.

• Paper: Provide each group with enough sheets of paper for every member to have at least two pieces.
• Writing Utensils: Ensure there are enough pens or pencils for all participants.
• Stopwatch or Timer: Useful for keeping track of the time allotted for each activity segment.
• Optional: Name Tags (if names are not already known to group members) to facilitate interaction and communication during the exercise.

To set up for the Unique and Shared icebreaker activity, you will need to ensure that the following preparation steps are taken:

1. Choose a suitable indoor location where participants can gather in groups of five. Make sure there is enough space for all the groups to form without being too cramped.
2. Arrange chairs or seating in circles or clusters to encourage group formation and interaction. Ideally, each cluster should have around five chairs to accommodate the group size.
3. If necessary, divide the participants into smaller subgroups beforehand to ensure even distribution and make forming groups of five easier during the activity. You can do this by counting off numbers or using any other method that suits your group.
4. Select a facilitator or team of facilitators who will guide the participants through the instructions, time management, and any questions or concerns that arise during the activity.
5. Ensure that the facilitators understand the goals and expectations of the Unique and Shared icebreaker activity and are prepared to engage with the participants positively.
6. If possible, provide name tags for the participants to make it easier for them to address one another during group discussions.
7. Choose a method for sharing unique qualities during the second half of the activity. Decide whether participants will share their own unique qualities, read the qualities of the person to their right, or have a spokesperson read qualities one at a time for others to guess. Prepare any necessary instructions or materials related to this sharing method.
8. Set up a timer or use a clock that is visible to all participants to ensure that each stage of the activity starts and ends on time. This will help maintain structure and keep the activity running smoothly.

1. Form groups of five: I ask participants to form groups with the people around them. Each group should have about five people.
2. Distribute paper and writing utensils: I pass out sheets of paper and writing utensils to each group.
3. Complete the Shared part: In this step, I instruct a notetaker for each group to create a list of common traits or qualities that members of the group have in common. I remind them to avoid writing things that are immediately obvious and encourage them to dig deeper. After about five or six minutes, I ask a spokesperson from each subgroup to read their list.
4. Complete the Unique part: For the second half, I keep the same groups or ask everyone to rearrange themselves into new ones. I then instruct each group to record unique traits and qualities on a second sheet of paper, finding at least two unique qualities and strengths per person. When time is up, I share the unique qualities in one of three ways: by having each person share one of their unique qualities, having each person read the qualities of the person to their right, or having a spokesperson read a quality one at a time and having the others guess who it was.

This icebreaker is a valuable team-building activity because it promotes unity and helps people realize they have more common ground with their peers than they first might think. By becoming aware of their own unique characteristics, participants can also feel empowered to offer the group something unique. The game is suitable for all ages and works well in indoor settings with medium, large, or extra-large groups.

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• Helps build empathy skills: By identifying shared traits and qualities, participants can gain a better understanding and appreciation for their peers’ perspectives and experiences.
• Promotes unity: The activity highlights commonalities between individuals, fostering a sense of belonging and cohesion within the group.
• Boosts self-awareness: By focusing on unique traits and strengths, participants can develop a stronger understanding of their own abilities and how they contribute to the team.
• Encourages meaningful conversations: The game’s structure encourages deeper connections by prompting participants to look beyond superficial commonalities and discuss more substantial aspects of their lives.
• Enhances active listening skills: The various sharing methods in the second half of the activity require attentive listening, helping participants practice this important skill.
• Fosters positive team dynamics: By emphasizing both shared and unique qualities, the game helps create an environment where everyone feels valued and appreciated for their contributions.

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• Empathy: By finding common traits and qualities among group members, participants can gain a better understanding and appreciation for others’ perspectives and experiences, leading to increased empathy.
• Teamwork: The activity promotes unity and collaboration by highlighting shared traits and encouraging individuals to recognize their unique contributions to the team.
• Active Listening: Participants must attentively listen to each other as they share commonalities and unique qualities, fostering active listening skills.
• Self-Awareness: By identifying and sharing their own unique strengths and traits, participants become more self-aware and confident in their abilities.
• Critical Thinking: The game encourages deeper thinking by challenging participants to look beyond superficial observations to uncover meaningful commonalities and distinct qualities.
• Public Speaking: Depending on the chosen method of sharing unique qualities, participants may have the opportunity to practice public speaking skills and build confidence in self-expression.
• Interpersonal Communication: Engaging in group discussions about shared traits and unique qualities helps improve interpersonal communication and strengthens relationships among team members.

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I appreciate the Unique and Shared icebreaker game as it effectively combines getting-to-know-each-other activities with team building. This icebreaker has been useful for me in understanding my peers better, recognizing commonalities that may not be immediately apparent, and highlighting individual strengths within a group setting.

What I like most about this activity is its focus on empathy development. By encouraging participants to dig deeper than superficial traits or qualities, they learn to appreciate their own unique attributes as well as those of others. This fosters an environment where people are more inclined to understand and connect with one another.

Moreover, the indoor setting makes it a versatile option for various group sizes, making it suitable for medium, large, and even extra-large gatherings. The materials required are simple, consisting of paper and writing utensils, further emphasizing its accessibility.

Another aspect I enjoy is that the Unique and Shared icebreaker can be adapted based on age groups. This flexibility makes it an engaging activity for participants of all ages, fostering inclusivity and encouraging interaction among diverse demographics.

The structure of the game also allows for a smooth transition from discovering shared traits to identifying unique qualities, creating a balanced experience that highlights both common ground and individual strengths within a group setting. The choice of sharing methods adds variety and excitement, making each session memorable and engaging. Overall, I find Unique and Shared to be a valuable icebreaker that promotes unity, empathy, and team building among participants.

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• Encourage the use of positive language: Using positive language can help create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. Instead of focusing on differences as “weird” or “unique,” reframe them as “interesting” or “special.” This can help participants feel more comfortable sharing their traits and qualities.
• Make sure the activity space is accessible: If you’re hosting the icebreaker in person, make sure the space is wheelchair accessible and has clear paths for people with mobility impairments. Provide seating options for those who may have difficulty standing for long periods of time.
• Use gender-neutral language: Using gender-neutral language can help create an inclusive environment for participants of all gender identities. Instead of using gendered pronouns, use “they/them” or ask participants to share their preferred pronouns.
• Consider cultural differences: When facilitating the icebreaker, be mindful of cultural differences and avoid making assumptions about participants’ backgrounds or experiences. Encourage participants to share traits and qualities that are important to their cultural identity.
• Provide accommodations for neurodiverse participants: If you have neurodivergent participants, provide accommodations such as extra time to process information, visual aids, or fidget tools. This can help create an inclusive environment for all participants.
• Check in with participants: Throughout the icebreaker, check in with participants to make sure they feel comfortable and included. Encourage them to share any concerns or suggestions they may have. By actively seeking feedback and making adjustments as needed, you can help ensure that everyone feels welcome and valued during the activity.

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1. What did you learn about your group members through this activity? This question can help participants reflect on the commonalities they discovered during the Shared part of the exercise and the unique traits highlighted in the Unique section. By understanding their peers better, individuals can strengthen their relationships and collaboration within the team.
2. How did you feel when sharing your unique qualities with the group? This question allows participants to express their emotions and self-awareness regarding their personal strengths. It can help them understand how they perceive themselves in a group setting and foster empowerment.
3. Did any of the shared or unique traits surprise you? If so, which ones? By asking this question, facilitators encourage participants to think critically about what they learned from the activity and promote empathy by acknowledging that people might have hidden depths.
4. How can you apply the insights gained from this activity in your interactions with your group members moving forward? This question encourages participants to consider how they can use their newfound understanding of each other to enhance teamwork and collaboration, fostering a more unified team dynamic.
5. What did you find most challenging about this activity, and why? This reflection question can help participants identify areas where they might struggle in group settings or during communication. By acknowledging these challenges, individuals can work on improving their interpersonal skills and becoming better team players.

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