In a world of fast-paced meetings and digital-first
interactions, how well do we really know the people we work and collaborate
with? We might know their job title and their project deadlines, but the human
element—the stories, challenges, and triumphs that shape them—often remains
hidden.
Enter the "Story of My Life," a deceptively simple
yet profoundly powerful group communication game. It’s more than just an
icebreaker; it's a tool for building empathy, trust, and genuine connection by
inviting participants to share a small, meaningful piece of their personal
history.
Story of My Life
You have just been given a contract to write your
autobiography for a major publishing company. Your agent Harry Hardnose
is anxious to get to press. He has decided to help you get started with a
few probing questions.
- First,
take a piece of flipchart paper and fold it in half and then in half again
to form a book.
- Choose
the title of a popular song for the name of your book. Write that
title on the front cover.
- On the
inside of the front cover (page two), list a table of contents.
- Name
of the place where you were born
- Description of your first job
- Number
of years you have been working for your company
- On
page three, draw a picture of your family.
- On the
back cover of the book, draw a picture of what you plan to do when you
retire. Where will you go? Who will you go with? Etc.
Materials Needed
·
Paper
·
Markers
Time
Allow five to ten minutes for setup, and drawing. When
all books are complete, have people tell their story, using the book as a
visual aid. Depending on the size of the group, you may want to debrief
in smaller groups. If possible, leave the books in a central location
during your training to encourage further introductions and discussions.
Variations
- Change
the focus of the pages of the book. For instance, most exciting
moment, favorite food, most exciting vacation, etc. Be careful not
to make any of the questions too personal. The idea is to open
people up, not shut them down.
Social Guidelines
Explain the Three Golden Rules To make this work, everyone
must agree to a few simple rules:
·
Respectful Listening: When someone is speaking,
everyone else listens without interrupting. No side conversations, no checking
phones.
·
No Judgment: The stories shared are personal.
The group’s role is to receive them with curiosity and respect, not to critique
or analyze them.
·
Confidentiality: What is shared in the circle,
stays in the circle. This is crucial for building trust.
