Group Order
This activity energizes participants and helps them connect by exploring what they have in common. Use it to facilitate networking and improve group dynamics at the start of a session.
How to run it
- 1
Ask participants to walk around the room for about one minute.
- 2
Blow a whistle to signal participants to line up according to a chosen criterion.
- 3
Select a criterion such as distance from home to the workplace, birth date, number of countries visited, number of letters in their middle name, or number of pets.
- 4
After they line up, blow the whistle again to have them circulate for another minute.
- 5
Blow the whistle a third time and choose a different criterion for the next lineup.
- 6
Repeat this process as time allows.
Tips
Keep a checklist of criteria handy for quick reference.
Encourage participants to talk to each other while milling around.
Vary the criteria to keep the activity engaging and fun.
Variations
You can adapt the criteria to fit specific themes or objectives of your session, such as work-related experiences or personal interests.
Where it fits
Related methods
Frequently asked questions
When should I use Group Order?â–¾
Use Group Order when you want to: team kickoff; icebreaker activity; networking session; group introductions; retreat opening.
How long does Group Order take?â–¾
Group Order typically takes 5–10 minutes.
How many participants does Group Order work for?â–¾
Group Order works best for groups of 5 or more.
What materials do I need for Group Order?â–¾
Group Order requires no special materials — just participants and a space.
How difficult is Group Order to facilitate?â–¾
Group Order is rated beginner — straightforward to facilitate even without prior experience.
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Try it freeMethod descriptions on Workshop Weaver are original content written by our team, based on established facilitation practices. This method was inspired by work from SessionLab. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.