Looking for a way to incorporate a little excitement into your next group meeting? Follow the Leader is a great icebreaker for getting participants on their feet, having fun AND engaging in a meaningful conversation about leadership! This activity is ideal for larger groups and can be facilitated with a wide variety of audiences.
Time Needed: 10 minutes
Group Size: 6+ (Challenge and fun increase with group size)
Materials: None
Directions: Have the group stand in a circle with one person in the middle. The person in the middle closes their eyes while the facilitator assigns someone as the “leader.” Once the leader is assigned, the person in the middle should open their eyes. The group then starts clapping together until the leader changes the action to something else. When the leader changes the action, everyone else should follow.
The object is for the person in the middle to figure out who the leader is and for the leader to change the action as many times as possible without getting caught. Once the leader is called out, a new person goes in the middle and a new leader is assigned.
When it is time to end the game, ask everyone to stay where they are in the circle and sit down. Conduct your debrief from there.
Debrief Questions:
- Who are some of the leaders we follow in life?
- What does it look like to follow these leaders?
- What are challenges these leaders might face?
- What challenges have you faced as a leader?