Team Onboarding High Five
The Team Onboarding High Five is a structured icebreaker that helps new team members quickly connect and learn about each other's strengths and interests. It fosters a welcoming environment and accelerates team cohesion by encouraging positive interaction.
Use this method during team onboarding sessions or when forming new project teams to build rapport and establish a foundation for effective collaboration. It's particularly useful when team members are geographically dispersed or working remotely.
Solves: New team members feeling isolated or unsure of how to connect with colleagues; lack of understanding of individual skills and interests within the team.
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Step 1: (5 min) Facilitator introduces the activity and explains the concept of a 'high five' as a way to celebrate individual strengths and contributions. Share the Miro board link.
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Step 2: (10 min) Each participant creates a virtual 'high five' on the Miro board, adding their name and filling in sections for their skills, interests, and what they hope to contribute to the team.
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Step 3: (10 min) Divide participants into small breakout groups (3-4 people) to share their 'high fives' and ask questions. Encourage active listening and positive feedback.
- Encourage participants to be creative and authentic in their 'high fives'.
- Monitor breakout rooms to ensure everyone is participating and feeling comfortable.
- Adapt the 'high five' categories to focus on specific team goals or project requirements.
- Use physical sticky notes and a whiteboard for in-person sessions.