How to Play This Icebreaker Game
- 1Form groups of 3–5 and set a target (e.g., 5 commonalities).
- 2Give 5–8 minutes to discover overlaps beyond the obvious.
- 3Share highlights with the whole group.
Facilitator Guide
Opening Script:
In trios to quints, find five uncommon things everyone shares. Surface specifics beyond the obvious (company, department).
Closing Script:
Notice the prompts that uncovered deeper overlaps—reuse them in future intros or buddy programs.
Why This Works
Why this icebreaker game works: Hunting for non‑obvious overlaps builds belonging quickly. The race format adds urgency while steering past generic commonalities.
Best For
Ideal icebreaker situations for this game include:
- New hire cohorts
- Cross‑team mixers
- Conference tables
Important Notes
- Define ‘uncommon’ upfront to avoid easy answers
- Rotate a note‑taker so everyone speaks
- Offer skip/replace if a prompt feels uncomfortable
Ideas & Prompts
Travel & Adventure
Visited more than 3 continents
Have lived in another country
Prefer mountains over beaches
Have gone skydiving or bungee jumping
Food & Drink
Love spicy food
Can cook a signature dish from scratch
Drink coffee every morning
Have never eaten sushi
Skills & Hobbies
Play a musical instrument
Speak more than two languages
Have a collection (stamps, coins, etc.)
Practice yoga or meditation
