Icebreakers · Get-to-Know-You

Great Expectations

Surfaces expectations early so the facilitator can manage them throughout.

IcebreakerRapportPersonal Sharing

Duration: 15 min
Participants: 1–5, 5–10, 10–20, 20–50, 50+
Energy: Low
Difficulty: Beginner
Materials: Minimal
Prep time: 5 minutes

2 min read · Delivery: Offline

Overview

Purpose. Surfaces expectations early so the facilitator can manage them throughout.

When to use. In the first 15 minutes of a session, once names are known and the group is settling in.

Best for. Any group size, in person.

Facilitator preparation

Gather: a flipchart to record responses.

Room setup. Arrange seating so everyone can see and hear each other clearly, and can see the flipchart.

Virtual setup. Run this over video call, recording expectations on a shared slide or document instead of a flipchart.

Hybrid setup. Show the same shared document to both in-room and remote participants.

Materials. Flipchart

How to Conduct

Set up a flipchart to record responses.
Go around the group; each participant introduces themselves and states one expectation they have for the course.
Write each expectation on the flipchart as it's shared.
Keep the flipchart visible or accessible throughout the program, so you can revisit it at the end.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE GROUP

Expect a little shyness in the first 30 seconds, followed by a quick warm-up once one or two people go first.

After the activity

DEBRIEF QUESTIONS

What part of “Great Expectations” felt easy, and what part felt harder than expected?
Did you notice any expectations that were similar to your own?

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

Where in your day-to-day work does naming expectations early help avoid disappointment later?

Learning outcome. Participants leave having named what they hope to get from the session, giving the facilitator something concrete to manage toward.