Personality Shapes: Visual Work Style Assessment
Choose a shape (square, triangle, circle, squiggle) and discuss what it says about your work style.
How to Play This Icebreaker Game
- 1Show four shapes and quick trait summaries.
- 2Each person picks one and shares a reason.
- 3Discuss collaboration tips across shapes.
Materials Needed
- Shape visuals (square, triangle, circle, squiggle) with trait summaries
Variations
- Situational Shapes: Ask people to pick different shapes for 'under stress' vs. 'at my best' contexts.
- Team Map: Create a visual showing who picked what, then discuss how to balance the team composition.
- Shape Pairs: Match people with different shapes for a short task to experience collaboration styles.
Facilitator Guide
Opening Script:
Here are four shapes with trait summaries. Pick the one that fits your work style and share why in one sentence. Then we'll discuss collaboration tips.
Closing Script:
Capture one tip per shape pairing—'Squares help Squiggles with structure; Circles help Triangles with empathy'—for future reference.
Why This Works
Why this icebreaker game works: Simple visual metaphors make personality reflection accessible. Discussing shape pairings creates practical collaboration language without jargon.
Best For
Ideal icebreaker situations for this game include:
- Team charter sessions
- Onboarding orientations
- Quick communication style discussions
Important Notes
- Emphasize fluidity; people can be multiple shapes in different contexts
- Avoid stereotyping or boxing people into labels
- Keep it light and actionable, not diagnostic
Game FAQ
What if I feel like I'm multiple shapes?
Pick your dominant one or the one most relevant to current work. Acknowledge fluidity in the discussion.
How do I make this actionable?
End with concrete norms: 'Squares need agendas; Circles need check‑ins' etc.
