Conducting meeting icebreaker

A meeting "icebreaker" is a quick discussion topic or warm-up activity designed to set the mood and energy of participants. When conducted properly, it will get team members prepared to effectively tackle the project, or day's agenda, that the meeting was called to do.

Here are some guidelines for a meeting icebreaker or warm-up activity:

- Make it quick -- no more than five minutes.

- Involve everyone. Don't let one person dominate.

- Make it okay to pass -- for whatever reason.

- Tie it to the team -- with some relevance to the team's work.

- Ask a question. For example: "Think of the best project you've ever worked on. What made it great?"

- Keep the energy level high.

- Be prepared. Bring instructions, handouts, or supplies with you.

- Enjoy yourself. If you are looking forward to the warm-up, others will too.

- Thank everyone for participating and continue with the agenda.