Group Timeline Activity
Group Timeline exercise helps show, in a visual way, the different generations and experiences of your team. It leads well into talking about cultural and generational differences and the effects that has on how people work and communicate.
It is also an opportunity for team members to learn more about each other
On a bulletin board or other surface which accepts thumbtacks, create a blank timeline. The timeline should start as far back as the oldest member on your team was born or when the company was founded, whichever came first.
Mark each year on the timeline. Then, using narrow strips of paper, write down important dates for the company (e.g. founded, merged, changed names, incorporated, new product) and pin it to the correct spot on the timeline.
Give your team members four slips of paper, and ask them to mark down four important moments in their life. Let them pin them to the timeline.
Moment of Reflection
At the end of the activity, allow a few minutes for people to reflect on the benefits of exercise.
- How does this exercise help you? What is the benefit of knowing the most significant moments of the group and/or organization?
- How do I feel after building this timeline as a group?
- How do I feel about information shared by other people?
- In a few words, what description can you give about the life of the group and/or organization?
The topics of this publication: integration, interactions, memory, foster relationships, collaboration, self, reflection, emotions, empathy, trust, teamwork, critical thinking
