Life Timeline
Participants create and share visual timelines of their life journey, marking significant moments and transitions.
Life Timeline is a deep personal sharing activity where participants map significant moments from their entire life journey. Unlike Career Timeline which focuses on professional life, this encompasses childhood, education, relationships, personal growth, and major life events. Participants create visual timelines marking pivotal moments, then share the story of their journey. This vulnerable sharing builds profound understanding, empathy, and connection among team members.
Objective
Build profound understanding and empathy through deep personal story sharing.
- Large paper and markers
- Digital timeline tool (for virtual)
- Timeline template (optional)
How to Play
Introduce with Care
5 minExplain the depth of this activity. Emphasize safety, confidentiality, and that participation is voluntary.
Create Timelines
20 minGive 15-20 minutes to create personal timelines. Include birth to present. Mark 8-12 significant moments, transitions, or turning points.
Share Stories
50 minEach person shares their timeline (5-8 minutes). Others listen without interruption. Allow emotion - tears are okay.
Questions and Connection
10 minAfter each share, allow 2-3 minutes for curious, compassionate questions.
Closing Circle
5 minShare one word about how the experience felt. Thank everyone for their vulnerability.
Pro Tips
Only use with established teams with existing trust. Not appropriate for first meetings.
Create sacred space - no phones, no interruptions, deep listening only.
Warn participants in advance about the personal nature so they can prepare emotionally.
Variations
Try these variations to adapt the game for different contexts and group sizes.
Changes:
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