Leadership Icebreaker Games

Icebreakers are intended to break awkward tension that can exist when people are unfamiliar with one another. They provide a safe environment and opportunity for people to connect and enjoy each other’s company. Leadership icebreaker games should teach a lesson in leadership, although the emphasis is to have fun and allow the group to get to know one another. Use icebreakers during leadership training seminars, at the beginning of a camp or a leadership meeting. They are intended to be used to loosen everyone physically, socially and emotionally.

If the leaders are seated at tables, there’s no need to separate others into teams. If not, separate the group into teams of up to five to seven people. Provide each person with paper and have them write down two facts about themselves and one lie. Have each person read off their written statements to the group and have the rest of the group determine which statement is a lie. This helps familiarize the members with one another and teaches listening skills.

This icebreaker can be performed with a few or many people. If the group is more than 20 people, split the group into two teams. Have the team sit in a circle with their backs toward one another. Instruct the team that the objective is for the entire team to stand together at the same time while locking arms. Allow the team to communicate and develop a strategy. Eventually, the team will use the pressure of being back-to-back to stand up at the same time. After the icebreaker, have the group discuss lessons learned from the activity.

Have everyone stand in a circle and grab the hand of someone else. Do not provide any other instructions except to grab random hands. The team will become a huge knot. Instruct the team that the objective is to untie the knot without letting go of each other’s hands. The team will have to use oral communication, leadership skills and teamwork in order to accomplish the task. Give the team a time limit of five minutes to accomplish the task. After the team completes the icebreaker, discuss the importance of listening skills, leadership skills and working as a team.