Quick Ice Breaker Games for Meetings (5-10 Minutes)
Short on time? Discover quick ice breaker games that work in just 5-10 minutes. Perfect for busy meetings, standups, and when you need fast, effective team connection.
14 min read
•December 5Highs and Lows
4.7
(2,134 ratings)Team members share the highs and lows from their recent experience, creating emotional connection and mutual support.
Highs and Lows is a reflective sharing practice where participants describe both positive moments (highs) and challenging moments (lows) from a defined period - the past week, month, or project phase. This balanced approach normalizes discussing both successes and struggles, builds empathy, and helps teams support each other through difficulties. Unlike purely positive check-ins, acknowledging lows creates psychological safety and authentic connection.
20-40 min4-12 peopleindoor
ReflectiveCorporateSmall GroupsAdults
Getting to Know YouCommunication
Objective
Build authentic connections through balanced sharing of successes and challenges.
No materials needed! This game is ready to play immediately.
How to Play
1
Set the Timeframe
2 minDefine the period to reflect on: this week, this month, this quarter, or since the last team meeting.
2
Reflection Time
3 minGive everyone 2-3 minutes to think about their high and low moments from that period.
3
Share Highs First
12 minGo around the group, each person shares their high (1-2 minutes). Celebrate wins together.
4
Share Lows
12 minSecond round: each person shares their low. Listen with empathy, without immediately problem-solving.
5
Offer Support
6 minAfter all shares, ask if anyone needs specific support. Team members offer help, resources, or encouragement.
Pro Tips
facilitationImportant
Model appropriate vulnerability - share a genuine low, not something trivial.
safetyImportant
Emphasize confidentiality - what's shared here stays here.
Variations
Try these variations to adapt the game for different contexts and group sizes.
Written Highs and Lows
Participants write their highs and lows anonymously, then discuss themes.
Paired Sharing
Share in pairs first for comfort, then with larger group.
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