When to use this exercise
This exercise is useful for any team or group of people to build trust and identify shared values. Preferably this exercise is used at the beginning of a meeting or a workshop to set the tone and build consensus on shared values.
Why use this exercise?
The purpose of this exercise is to connect your team, build mutual trust and establish an understanding of shared values and beliefs at the start of a meeting, a workshop or similar. Having a few common values supports any team building activity and helps to build an environment of trust. Establishing this kind of setting at the beginning of a workshop or meeting aids the rest of the workshop to run smoothly and effectively.
Steps
- Start by writing down the words "meaningful" and “pleasant” on a whiteboard. In an online setting use any presentation platform and share your screen to the group or use the whiteboard function available in some online meeting tools.
- Next, ask everyone in the group to contribute with what makes this workshop meaningful and pleasant. Record each suggestion in the form of a mind map or a list.
- Once everyone has given their suggestion, ensure that all participants have the same understanding of the idea. If not, change the suggestion until it has consensus from all participants.
- After you have a list of finalised suggestions, ask the group how they would ensure that the idea is carried out during the workshop or meeting. Write these down on the whiteboard or on your shared presentation.
- These mutually agreed ideas on "pleasant" and "meaningful" now acts as the Code of Conduct and the group has the responsibility to uphold this code through the workshop or meeting.