JL Moreno, the father of psychodrama, stated that there is no such thing as resistance; it is merely an individual or group that is not properly warmed-up, or who have a warm-up different than the facilitator's. Thoughtful use of a warm-up can help ignite a group to focus and improve their collective mood--resulting in their time being more productively used. The Warm-up Corner offers specific activities for those working with individuals or groups in a coaching, counseling or group-relations setting. Each month, you will find the offering of a warm-up that can be used physically in a group session to help participants focus and deepen their interactions. In addition, there will be a monthly offering for a guided imagery warm-up that is suitable both for group meetings, as well as individual sessions or telephone & vitual group warm-ups. |
Chain Gang:
This can be a fun warm-up for developing group cohesion and honoring our strengths.
Materials needed: staplers or transparent tape, pens or fine tipped markers and several strips fo paper. A good size is 1 or 1.5 inches by 6 or 8.5 inches. These can easily be cut from 8.5 x 11 cardstock or printer paper.
Give several strips to each member of the group. In a large group, you might limit this to 4-6 strips per person. In a smaller group [10 members or less] you can give each person enough strips for every participant including themselves. Instruct participants to think about a strength or resource they see in themselves and in others in the room. They are then asked to write out one strength or resource regarding a specific person on each strip of paper, including at least one for him or herself. Group members then give these strips to each of the persons whose strength is described. As members receive these strips, they can begin to staple or tape them into links on a chain. [Don't be surprised if the chain starts to branch out, rather than remain a single long line.]
In moving into discussion, you can invite members to reflect on all the resources within the group. People might pay attention to whether the strengths others see in them are ones they also acknowledge or if some of this feedback was a surprise. They mght also pay attention to how it feels to acknowledge others, be affirmed by others, or to claim an aiffirmation for themselves.
You can give additional focus to this warm-up, depending on the circumstances. For example, in a large organization, you can specify that one strip is for yourself, one or two for someone in your department and one or two for someone in a different department. You can give more specific criteria: "What is one strength that can help us complete this upcoming project?" "Write out a resource that helps to strengthen our morale as a team/business." It can also be helpful to challenge participants to consider what strengths might be underneath the surface, not simply name the traits that are most obvious in a person.
This action structure gives a very visual, concrete example of the positive qualities within a group. Using colored paper or including some small stickers can add a playful note.
Looking for other warm-ups? Let's talk!
