What Do We Have in Common?

Purpose. Especially good for helping reserved new hires find natural common ground.

When to use. Early in a session, especially with a group that doesn't know each other well yet.

Best for. Any group size, in person or online.

• No materials to gather; just read through the steps once before you run it.

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

Virtual setup. Run this over video call, going around the participant list for each link in the chain.

Hybrid setup. Alternate between in-room and remote participants as the chain continues.

Materials.

1. Have a manager, leader, or yourself start by sharing a personal interest, for example a TV show, type of music, or food.
2. Anyone in the room who shares that interest jumps in enthusiastically to say so.
3. Whoever jumped in then shares a new interest of their own.
4. Continue the chain, each new interest inviting whoever shares it to jump in and add their own, for as long as time allows.

Learning outcome. Participants leave having discovered several shared interests across the room, often with people they didn't expect.

• No materials needed
• Debrief questions ready
• Timer set for 10–15 min
• Room / call set up so all can see and hear each other