The Label Game was designed to prevent people from judging others based on what they've been labeled as in society. Before the seminar, the presenter and any available volunteers should make simple cone hats with a sheet of paper. Write a job title on each hat. For example, one hat would say "Doctor," another hat would be labeled "Construction Worker" and so on. At the seminar, pass out the hats randomly. Ask the participants to NOT turn their hat over. They cannot read their label, otherwise the game loses it's flair. Have each person put on their hat at the same time. Participants walk around and treat each other according to judgements based on the label they are wearing. After several minutes, participants sit back down and read label on their hat. This game shows the negative connotations associated with labeling people.
The game of Gossip has been a favorite game of school counselors for many years. It's used to show how information changes dramatically from person to person. Play this game at a seminar to help break the ice. It's also useful if you have a few minutes left to kill before the session lets out. To play the game, whisper a phrase in someone's ear. Choose someone on the end of the audience. Watch as the phrase moves from person to person. The last person to hear the phrase says the phrase out loud. Then, give the original phrase you started. Depending on the size of the group, you can play this game two to three times during the seminar.
Balloon Pass is meant to promote teamwork and cooperation. It can also be used as an ice-breaker for larger audiences. To play Balloon Pass, break the audience up into smaller groups. Have each group line up, one behind the other. Give the person in front a balloon. The first person in line passes the balloon over her head to the person behind her. The second person must pass the balloon between her legs to the person behind her. This pattern continues until the balloon reaches the end of the line. Give out prizes for the fastest team or most cooperative, whichever you prefer.
My Magic Genie is an activity that allows people to recognize the importance of change and the frustrations of their fellow co-workers and supervisors. To play, the audience is broken up into smaller groups. Tell each group that they have stumbled upon a magic genie, and that each group gets three wishes. The catch is, the wishes have to be something they would change about their workplace. It could be about hours, people, the break room, etc. Each team needs to write down their three wishes. Each team must also write down their reasoning behind each wish. When everyone is done, each team shares with the entire group.