Personal Objects

How to Play

Setup

1. Invite and prompt participants 1–3 days in advance to bring a meaningful personal object (photo, book, souvenir, award, tool, recipe card, etc.). Offer alternatives: a digital photo or drawing if they can’t bring the physical item. Set expectations: 2–3 minutes per share plus 1 minute for appreciative questions.
2. Group size and space: ideal for 6–12 people; cap at 15. In-person, arrange chairs in a circle; virtual, encourage cameras on and use gallery view. For larger teams, plan breakout rooms of 6–8.
3. Materials and tools: a visible timer or chime, optional “talking object,” and a whiteboard or shared doc to note themes. Virtual: ensure spotlighting and breakout features are available.
4. Psychological safety: frame the activity as an invitation, not an obligation. Remind everyone of confidentiality and respectful listening. Offer a “pass” option.

How to Play

1. Opening (3–5 minutes): Welcome the group, state the purpose—building connection through meaningful stories—and review timeboxes and norms. Model the activity by sharing your own object in about 2 minutes to demonstrate length and depth.
2. Sharing round: Choose an order (clockwise, roster, or random). For each participant:
   • 2–3 minutes to show the object and explain: what it is, where it came from, why it matters, and what it reveals about them today.
   • 1 minute for 1–2 appreciative, curious questions or short reflections from others. Use raised hands or chat to queue.
3. Transitions: Thank each speaker, start the timer for the next, and keep a steady, warm pace. Use a gentle chime when time is up.
4. Harvest themes: As people share, note recurring values (e.g., family, perseverance, curiosity, craftsmanship). Keep it visible on a board or shared doc.
5. Closing (3–5 minutes): Invite a brief reflection round: “What did you learn about our team?” or “Which value resonated?” Optionally, collect photos for a team gallery.

Rules

1. Timebox: 2–3 minutes per story + 1 minute Q&A; facilitator enforces gently.
2. One voice at a time; no interruptions.
3. Consent and boundaries: share only what feels comfortable; passing is allowed without explanation.
4. Respect: no judgment, advice, or debate; ask open, curious questions.
5. Confidentiality: stories stay in the group unless explicit permission is given to share.
6. Safety and appropriateness: objects must be safe, non-offensive, and workplace-appropriate; digital substitutes are welcome.
7. Accessibility: if showing isn’t possible, describe the object or post an image in chat.

Tips

• Send the invitation 24–48 hours ahead with example prompts to spark ideas.
• Calibrate depth by modeling: meaningful, not overly personal.
• Use a visible timer with a soft chime to protect equal airtime.
• Suggest a simple story arc: object, origin, meaning, and present-day connection.
• In hybrid settings, assign a tech helper to spotlight speakers and manage mics.
• If time runs short, pause Q&A and finish shares, then do a single-group reflection.

Variations

• Themed round: request objects tied to “a challenge overcome,” “a mentor,” or “a proud first.”
• Speed edition: 60 seconds per share for larger groups.
• Pair-and-share: partners exchange stories; each introduces the other’s object to the group.
• Photo wall: everyone uploads an image of their object to a shared board as a persistent team artifact.
• Guessing game: display objects first and have the group guess owners before reveals for a playful twist.