We've all been in this generic group scenario: "Tell us your name, where you're from, and an interesting fact about yourself". Trouble is, you can never think of an 'interesting fact' on the spot. You normally come up with something boring (as does everyone else) and this scenario is repeated throughout your life. Well, that stops now as we introduce to you Getting To Know You Cards.

Getting To Know You Cards is a simple way for new (or existing) teams to get to know a little more about each other. You'll share interesting facts about yourself, but you'll have some help along the way...

Tools Required

• Sharpie pens
• Note-cards (small piece of paper)

Method

1. Write topics on multiple note cards for team members to share a fact on that topic. These should be simple single words or statements that are quick and easy to think of answers to.Great examples you might want to use include: Family | Friends | Hobbies | Hidden Talent | Music & Film
2. Place the cards face down in the middle of the table and ask each person to take a card (or two depending on the size of your group). Keep these hidden until each individual speaks.
3. Taking turns, invite all members of the room to share a fact based on the word or phrase on their card.

Rules

Be succinct: encourage team members to spend no more than 30 seconds - 1 minute to keep the exercise flowing.If team members are taking more than one card, they can't share two facts; only one fact can be shared per round.After reading their fact, the person who has just spoken chooses who they would like to hear from next.

Takeaways

Getting To Know You Cards is a quick exercise requiring little preparation and gives a chance for a team to get to know each other better.You might discover patterns or similarities in responses given, and this might help you shape future retrospectives, give ideas for team naming, forming content charters, or provide ideas for future team-building exercises.Have fun and let us know how you get on.