Creativity in Chain of Association

Chain of Association is a simple team game that tests vocabulary and memory, sparks creativity and helps develop ideas. This activity is a good game for small to large teams and can be played in 10–15 minutes.

It’s played by starting with a word and then having each person say a word that’s associated with the previous word. The goal is to keep the chain going as long as possible without repeating words.

Gather your group and form a circle so that all participants can look at each other’s faces. Ask a random member to say aloud a single word, the first one that comes to mind.

The next person has to say a word that associates with the previous word. Continue around the circle, keeping the chain going as long as possible without repeating words.

This game is great because it tests vocabulary and memory in a quick and interactive way. Helps identify connections and leverage the ideas of others.

Moment of Reflection

• While people were saying words, what did you observe in others? In yourself?
• As the game progressed, did other people’s words spark different ideas about what to say in your mind?
• How did it feel to be part of a chain of words that was formed collaboratively among all the participants?
• Did you feel any pressure to choose a word to continue the chain? Why?
• Where else in our lives does this pressure occur? What impact does it have?
• What does it take to foster a safe space where creativity can emerge without pressure?
• How do we collaborate or cooperate freely while working as a team?

The topics of this publication: collaboration, interactions, cooperation, teamwork, adaptation, disinhibition, distension, foster relationships, memory, active listening, creativity, imagination, motivation, improvise, trust, adaptability skills