Common Ground Challenge
Small groups race to find a set number of uncommon things they all share in common.
How to Play
- 1Form groups of 3–5 and set a target (e.g., 5 commonalities).
- 2Give 5–8 minutes to discover overlaps beyond the obvious.
- 3Share highlights with the whole group.
Facilitator Guide
Opening Script:
"In trios to quints, find five uncommon things everyone shares. Surface specifics beyond the obvious (company, department)."
Closing Script:
"Notice the prompts that uncovered deeper overlaps—reuse them in future intros or buddy programs."
Why This Works
Hunting for non‑obvious overlaps builds belonging quickly. The race format adds urgency while steering past generic commonalities.
Best For
- New hire cohorts
- Cross‑team mixers
- Conference tables
Important Notes
- Define ‘uncommon’ upfront to avoid easy answers
- Rotate a note‑taker so everyone speaks
- Offer skip/replace if a prompt feels uncomfortable